If you or a loved one are concerned about kratom use and drug testing, you are not alone. Many people wonder if kratom will show up on a drug test. Kratom is a plant-based substance that has gained popularity in recent years, especially among those seeking relief from pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal. While kratom is not typically detected on standard drug screens, its use can still impact your health, recovery, and employment.
At Revolution Recovery Center, we help individuals and families understand the risks of kratom and provide evidence-based support for lasting recovery through our various treatment services. If you are seeking answers about kratom and drug testing, this article will guide you through what you need to know.
Understanding Kratom and Its Use
What Is Kratom?
Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally, people in countries like Thailand and Malaysia have used kratom for centuries as a natural remedy. In the United States, kratom is available in several forms, including powders, capsules, teas, and concentrated extracts.
Kratom contains active compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These chemicals interact with the brain’s opioid receptors, which iswhy kratom can have both pain-relieving and mood-altering effects.
Why Do People Use Kratom?
People use kratom for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Managing chronic pain
- Reducing anxiety or depression
- Boosting energy or focus
- Easing symptoms of opioid withdrawal
Some individuals turn to kratom as a “natural” alternative to prescription medications or to self-medicate when other treatments have not worked. However, using kratom without medical supervision can lead to unexpected health risks.
How Is Kratom Taken? Methods of Consumption
Kratom can be consumed in several ways:
- Swallowing capsules or tablets
- Brewing dried leaves or powder into tea
- Mixing powder into drinks or food
- Taking liquid extracts
The method of use can affect how quickly kratom’s effects are felt and how long they last. Using higher doses or more potent extracts increases the risk of side effects and dependence.
How Kratom Affects the Brain and Body
Kratom’s main active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to opioid receptors in the brain. This action can produce effects similar to opioids, such as pain relief, relaxation, and euphoria. However, kratom is not a true opioid, and its effects can vary widely depending on the dose and individual.
Kratom’s effects are dose-dependent:
- Low doses may act as a stimulant, increasing energy, alertness, and sociability.
- Higher doses tend to have sedative effects, causing drowsiness, pain relief, and sometimes a sense of calm or euphoria.
Because of these varying effects, some people use kratom to help with work or social situations, while others use it to relax or manage pain.
While some users report benefits like pain relief or improved mood, research shows that kratom can also cause serious health risks, including:
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation
- Liver damage
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Seizures
- Risk of dependence and withdrawal
The FDA and CDC have both issued warnings about kratom’s safety, noting that it is not approved for medical use and can be addictive.
Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?
Does Kratom Show Up on Standard 5-Panel and 10-Panel Drug Tests?
Standard workplace drug tests, such as the 5-panel and 10-panel screens, are designed to detect common substances like:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine)
- Amphetamines
- PCP
- Benzodiazepines
- Barbiturates
Kratom and its main compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, are not included in these standard panels. This means that most routine drug tests will not detect kratom use.
Why Kratom Is Usually Not Detected on Routine Drug Screens
Routine drug screens are limited to substances that are most commonly abused or regulated. Since kratom is not classified as a controlled substance at the federal level in the U.S., it is not routinely tested for in employment or legal settings. Specialized testing is required to detect kratom.
Specialized Drug Testing for Kratom: What to Know
Some labs offer expanded drug panels that can detect kratom’s active compounds. These tests are more expensive and are usually only ordered if kratom use is specifically suspected. Specialized tests can detect mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in urine, blood, or hair samples, but they are not widely used in standard workplace or court-ordered testing.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
Several factors influence how long kratom stays in your body:
- Dose and frequency of use
- Individual metabolism and body weight
- Age and overall health
- Hydration and liver function
People who use kratom regularly or in high doses may have longer detection times.
- Urine: Kratom can be detected in urine for about 1 to 9 days after use, depending on the dose and frequency.
- Blood: Kratom is usually detectable in blood for up to 24 hours, but this window may be longer with heavy or chronic use.
- Hair: Hair tests can potentially detect kratom for up to 90 days, but these tests are rare and not commonly used.
Kratom’s main compounds are broken down in the liver and excreted through urine. Mitragynine has a half-life of about 24 hours, meaning it takes about a day for half of the substance to leave the body. However, individual differences in metabolism can affect how quickly kratom is cleared.
Why Kratom Use Matters for Recovery and Employment
Kratom Use in Safety-Sensitive Jobs and Drug-Free Workplaces
Even though kratom may not show up on standard drug tests, its use can still be a concern in safety-sensitive jobs, such as:
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Construction
- Law enforcement
Kratom’s sedative or stimulant effects can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents or mistakes.
Monitoring Kratom Use in Recovery and Sobriety Programs
For individuals in recovery from substance use disorders, kratom use can undermine progress. Some recovery programs may specifically test for kratom or prohibit its use, as it can trigger cravings or relapse into other substances.
Legal and Policy Issues Related to Kratom Use
Kratom’s legal status varies by state and locality. Some states have banned kratom, while others allow its sale and use. Employers and treatment programs may have their own policies regarding kratom, regardless of local laws. It is important to understand the rules that apply to your workplace or recovery program.
Risks, Dependence, and Withdrawal Associated With Kratom
Regular kratom use can lead to tolerance, meaning you need more to achieve the same effects. Over time, this can develop into dependence, where your body relies on kratom to function normally.
When someone stops using kratom after regular use, withdrawal symptoms can occur, such as:
- Muscle aches
- Insomnia
- Irritability or mood swings
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety or depression
These symptoms can be uncomfortable and may lead some people to resume use to feel better.
Kratom can disrupt sleep patterns, cause mood swings, and interfere with daily responsibilities. Some people experience increased anxiety, depression, or difficulty concentrating. Over time, these effects can impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Treatment and Recovery Support for Kratom Use
When to Seek Help for Kratom Use
If you find yourself:
- Using kratom more often or in higher doses
- Unable to stop despite wanting to
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Noticing negative effects on your health, work, or relationships
It may be time to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent more serious problems and support long-term recovery.
Assessment, Therapy, and Behavioral Treatment Options
Effective treatment for kratom use often includes:
- Comprehensive assessment to understand your unique needs
- Individual and group therapy to address underlying issues
- Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), to build coping skills
- Support for co-occurring mental health conditions
Treatment is tailored to each person, focusing on both substance use and overall well-being.
Building Coping Skills and Preventing Relapse
Learning new ways to manage stress, cravings, and triggers is essential for recovery. Treatment programs help you:
- Develop healthy routines
- Build a strong support network
- Practice relapse prevention strategies
Ongoing support increases the chances of lasting recovery.
How Revolution Recovery Center Helps With Kratom Recovery
At Revolution Recovery Center, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with kratom and other substance use. Our team offers:
- Personalized treatment plans
- Flexible levels of care to fit your life
- Therapy for both substance use and mental health concerns
- Relapse prevention and aftercare planning
We are committed to helping you or your loved one achieve lasting recovery in a supportive, respectful environment. Learn more about our approach at Revolution Recovery Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, kratom is not detected on standard 5-panel or 10-panel drug tests. Specialized testing is required to identify kratom use.
Kratom can be detected in urine for 1 to 9 days, in blood for up to 24 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days, depending on the type of test and individual factors.
Yes, regular kratom use can lead to dependence and addiction. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when stopping use.
Kratom can cause nausea, constipation, liver damage, increased heart rate, seizures, and risk of dependence. The FDA and CDC have warned about its safety.
Yes, kratom use can interfere with recovery from other substances and may be a concern in safety-sensitive jobs, even if it is not detected on standard drug tests.
If you are concerned about kratom use, professional treatment centers like Revolution Recovery Center can help with assessment, therapy, and ongoing support.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or someone you care about is struggling with kratom use, you do not have to face it alone. Revolution Recovery Center offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment for substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our team will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and supports your long-term recovery. Take the first step today by reaching out to Revolution Recovery Center for help and hope.