While kratom is used medicinally in some regions of the world, many people in the U.S. use kratom recreationally. Kratom leaves can be brewed into teas, consumed in powder form, or encapsulated as a dietary supplement.
Since kratom produces intoxicating effects similar to opioids, people often wonder whether or not it will show up on a drug test. The answer is that it depends on the type of test. A standard 5-panel drug test does not screen for kratom alkaloids, but a 10-panel drug test can detect kratom in your urine for a week or more after the last time you used it.
KRATOM DETECTION TIMES BY DRUG TEST TYPE
There are four different types of drug tests that may be able to detect kratom. The most commonly used is urine tests.
Urine Tests
Urine tests are widely used due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness. They primarily detect drug metabolites excreted in the urine. Although kratom will not show up on a 5-panel urine test because these tests do not screen for kratom’s specific alkaloids, the substance can show up on a 10-panel urine test.
A 10-panel urine test can start detecting kratom about 6 hours after you ingest it. Kratom can stay in urine for up to a week. People who use kratom heavily or regularly for extended periods of time may test positive for it for longer than one week.
Blood Tests
Blood tests are typically only used in medical settings due to their invasive nature. They also have a short detection window, so they are primarily useful for detecting intoxication. Although kratom leaves the blood fairly quickly, positive results may appear for 1-3 days after the last dose.
Saliva Tests
Saliva tests are becoming increasingly popular due to their non-invasive nature and ease of administration. However, alkaloids are not typically included in standard saliva drug testing panels, so this type of test likely won’t detect kratom.
Hair Tests
Hair tests are not commonly used to screen for kratom, but they can detect illicit drugs in your system for up to 90 days.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT KRATOM DETECTION ON DRUG TESTS
There are several key factors that can affect whether or not kratom shows up on a drug test. These factors include:
- Test sensitivity – Although many standard drug tests do not specifically target kratom alkaloids, it is possible that high concentrations of kratom or its metabolites may trigger false positives for other opioids, such as methadone.
- Quality of kratom ingested – Kratom is sold as a dietary supplement, so the composition and purity of kratom products can vary greatly. Adulteration or contamination with other substances could potentially lead to unexpected results in drug tests. On the other hand, low-quality kratom may not be detectable at all.
- Metabolism – Each person’s metabolism is unique, affecting the processing and elimination of substances from the body. The speed at which kratom alkaloids are metabolized and excreted from the body can influence their detectability on drug tests.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE HOW LONG KRATOM STAYS IN YOUR SYSTEM
Kratom may be detected longer in some people than others due to various factors. Variables that influence how long kratom stays in your system include:
- How long you’ve been taking kratom
- How often you take kratom
- What dose you’ve been taking
- Your age, weight, and metabolic rate
- Liver function
- Polydrug use or taking kratom with alcohol
- Your diet
- Your fitness level
- Family history and genetics
- Certain co-occurring health problems
KRATOM DANGERS AND SIDE EFFECTS
Kratom has gained popularity in recent years, especially due to its legal status. However, kratom abuse does come with risks.
Dependence and Addiction
Regular and chronic kratom use can lead to physical drug dependence and addiction. Abruptly stopping kratom use after dependence has developed may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, muscle aches, and cravings.
Overdose Potential
It is possible to overdose on kratom, especially if it is mixed with other substances, such as alcohol and opioids. High doses of kratom can cause sedation, respiratory depression, and even coma.
Adverse Side Effects
Kratom use has been associated with various adverse health effects. These may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, itching, sweating, increased urination, and loss of appetite. Some users have reported experiencing dizziness, tremors, seizures, and psychosis-like symptoms.
Due to the fact that there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of kratom, the long-term side effects and dangers are widely unknown.
GET HELP FOR KRATOM ABUSE AND ADDICTION NOW
Despite the drug’s perceived safety, kratom can be dangerous and addictive. If you or someone you love is abusing kratom, it may be time to consider treatment.
At Elevate Recovery Center, we know there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to addiction treatment, which is why every patient gets specialized and undivided attention while in our care. We even go the extra mile by staying connected with our patients after they leave our rehab facility. No matter what obstacles are in your way in recovery, we’ll be there to lend a hand.
Get started now by speaking with an admissions counselor.
References:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Kratom, Retrieved June 2023 from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
- National Library of Medicine: Drug testing for mitragynine and kratom: Analytical challenges and medico‐legal considerations, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10098727/
- American Journal of Clinical Pathology: A Kratom Metabolite Causes False Positive Urine Drug Screening Results for Methadone, Retrieved June 2023 from https://academic.oup.com/ajcp/article/154/Supplement_1/S19/5942516
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Notes from the Field: Unintentional Drug Overdose Deaths with Kratom Detected, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/68/wr/mm6814a2.htm
