Kratom is a tropical tree that is native to parts of Southeast Asia. In recent years, kratom has grown in popularity because its leaves can produce stimulant effects in low doses and depressant effects in high amounts.[1] As a result, many people have begun using kratom recreationally in place of other drugs.
While people often use kratom to replace other drugs, it can be habit-forming and addictive. If you regularly abuse it, you might be wondering whether kratom can show up on a drug test. While standard 5-panel drug tests do not detect kratom in your system, 10-panel tests can tell if you have used it.
Depending on the type of test being used, kratom can be detected in your system for 24 hours to 90 days after your last dose. In other words, the only way to be sure that you pass a drug test is to remain abstinent from kratom use.
What are the Effects of Kratom?
Kratom can be consumed orally, either in a tablet, capsule, extract, or in a drink. Some people mix kratom with alcohol to enhance the effects. Kratom can produce both stimulant and depressant effects depending on the dosage you consume.
The effects of kratom may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchiness
- Excessive sweating
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Insomnia
- Increased alertness and talkativeness
- Increased physical energy
In addition to these effects, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) reports that kratom has caused several cases of psychotic symptoms, like hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.[1]
Since kratom can lead to severe side effects, you should avoid abusing it. While kratom is not considered a controlled substance, certain states might regulate or prohibit the sale and use of it.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in the Body?
Kratom is a tropical tree that has leaves that may cause symptoms like increased energy levels, pain relief, or relaxation. Even though kratom use is becoming increasingly popular, there is not much research on it. This means it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly how long it remains in your body.
The average half-life of kratom is about 24 hours.[2] In other words, it can take up to 5 days for kratom to leave your system entirely. That said, it can leave behind metabolites in your system that are detectable by drug tests for longer.
Additionally, exactly how long kratom stays in your system can vary depending on a few different personal factors, including:
- Overall physical health
- Age and weight
- The speed of your metabolism
- How much kratom do you take and how frequently
- Whether you’ve consumed other substances
- The health of your liver and kidneys
Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
The standard 5-panel drug test will not look for kratom in your system, whether you are using a urine, blood, or saliva drug test. However, 10-panel tests do look for the metabolites of kratom, which means having it in your system could cause you to fail a drug test.
Urine
Urine tests are the most commonly used type of drug test, especially when someone is looking for kratom in your system specifically. These tests can detect kratom for 5 to 7 days. Someone who is a first-time user of kratom might only test positive for 5 days, while a regular user will test positive longer.
Blood
Kratom will show up on a blood test if a specialized panel is being used. Typically, blood tests can only detect kratom for 24 to 48 hours, especially among individuals who have only used it once.
Saliva
While specialized drug tests can be used to detect kratom, saliva tests usually cannot find the substance in your system.
Hair
Hair tests are the most reliable form of drug test, as they look for metabolites of drugs left behind in your hair follicles. No matter what type of substance you have abused, a hair test will find it in your system for up to 90 days. However, these tests are not commonly used because they can be expensive to send off to the lab for testing.
Factors that Affect How Long Kratom Stays in Your System
Several factors can influence how long kratom stays in your system:
- Dosage: Higher doses of kratom tend to stay in the body longer than lower doses.
- Frequency of use: Regular use can result in the accumulation of kratom metabolites in the body, prolonging its presence in the system.
- Metabolism: Individual metabolic rates vary, affecting how quickly the body processes and eliminates kratom.
- Body fat percentage: Kratom, like many substances, can be stored in fat cells, potentially prolonging its presence in individuals with higher body fat.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated can support the body’s natural detoxification processes, potentially speeding up the rate at which kratom leaves the body.
- Liver function: A healthy liver metabolizes substances more efficiently, impacting the breakdown and elimination of kratom.
- Age: Metabolic rates tend to slow down with age, potentially affecting how long kratom stays in the system for older individuals.
- Genetics: Genetic factors can influence how enzymes in the body metabolize kratom and may affect elimination rates.
Find Help for Kratom Abuse and Addiction
If you or a loved one regularly abuses kratom, you could be struggling with an addiction. Abruptly stopping the use of kratom may result in severe, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms that are similar to those associated with opioid withdrawal. Seeking help from a trusted detox facility can help you stop kratom safely.
Whether you have recently failed a drug test for kratom or simply need help to regain control over your life, Mandala Healing Center is here to help. We can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-lasting sobriety from kratom abuse. To learn more about our kratom addiction treatment program, contact Mandala Healing Center today.
References:
- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Drug Fact Sheet: Kratom, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kratom-2020_0.pdf
- The National Library of Medicine (NLM): Pharmacokinetics of mitragynine in man, Retrieved December 2023 From https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425236/