Suspensions are struck from your official record after 5 years, however as inmate stated, this is a small industry. I have often sat down with other pilots and played the "Kevin Bacon" game---as in link to someone in 5 moves. If I do not know a pilot personally, I can find someone I know who knows them personally with in 5 phone calls. Scary huh?? (That does not include newer people with less than 1500 hours).
I do have experience with this issue and can tell you that if you are hones, it will not be a problem. Mine were not alcohol or drug related however---this may be a little more serious.