Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant. Its full name is Mitragyna speciosa, and it comes from countries like Thailand and Malaysia. People use kratom leaves for pain, energy, and to feel better when they’re sad or stressed.

Kratom grows on a tree in the Rubiaceae family, the same family as coffee. People take it as a tea, capsule, or powder. It works because of an active ingredient called mitragynine, an alkaloid that acts like a drug in the body.

Why Do People Use Kratom?

Some people use kratom for pain management or to help with anxiety or mood. Others use it to feel euphoria or help with weight loss. It’s also used by people with substance abuse problems, like opioid addiction, to feel better or manage withdrawals.

Kratom can act like a stimulant at low doses and like an analgesic or sedative at higher ones. Some even use it in dual diagnosis care with other treatments like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom is not illegal in all places, but it’s not fully approved either. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has looked at kratom and said it may be a controlled substance in the future. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom as a dietary supplement or medication. This means doctors don’t usually recommend it.

Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

Let’s talk about the big question: does kratom show up on a drug test?

Standard Drug Tests

Most standard drug tests do not test for kratom. Tests like:

Urinalysis (urine test)
Saliva test
Blood test
Hair follicle test

… usually look for drugs like amphetamine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, benzodiazepine, fentanyl, barbiturate, phencyclidine, methadone, buprenorphine, opiate, and narcotic substances—not kratom.

However, there are special drug tests that can detect mitragynine, the kratom alkaloid.

Types of Drug Tests and Kratom

Urine Test

A urine test is the most common type of drug test. Kratom can show up in a urinalysis if the lab is looking for it. It depends on the dose and how long ago you took it. It may be detected for up to 7 days.

Saliva Test

Saliva testing is rare for kratom. Kratom does not usually stay in saliva very long. Still, in special labs, mitragynine might be found.

Blood Test

A blood test can detect kratom shortly after use, usually within a few hours. But blood tests aren’t common unless you’re in a hospital or treatment setting.

Hair Test

Hair follicle tests can show kratom use over a longer time—up to 90 days—but these tests are expensive and rare.

How Is Kratom Processed in the Body?

When someone takes kratom, the body breaks it down in the liver. The mitragynine goes through drug metabolism and becomes a metabolite. This process depends on your weight, fat, appetite, and overall health.

Then the body gets rid of the kratom through excretion—like urine, saliva, or diarrhea.

Who Might Be Tested for Kratom?

Patients in detoxification or outpatient programs
People in a partial hospitalization program (PHP)
Workers in drug-free jobs
Those in relapse prevention care
People being treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or substance abuse

Can Insurance Cover Kratom Tests?

Most health insurance plans do not cover kratom testing unless it’s medically needed. Clinics may ask to verify insurance if kratom testing is needed for sobriety or part of a rehab program.

How Do Labs Test for Kratom?

Labs use advanced tools like:

Chromatography
Mass spectrometry

These tools help find mitragynine or its metabolites in your body. These tests are accurate but cost more and aren’t always used.

Side Effects of Kratom

Kratom is not always safe. It can cause:

Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Irritability
Sedation
Insomnia
Diarrhea
Physical dependence

It affects the brain, especially the opioid receptors, and can lead to health risks just like other controlled substances.

Mixing Kratom with Other Drugs

Some people mix kratom with:

Alcohol
Adderall
Tramadol
Oxycodone
Other drugs

Mixing kratom with these can be dangerous and raise the risk of overdose or bad health effects.

Why Testing Matters

Testing helps doctors and treatment centers understand what’s in a person’s body. This is important for creating a safe and helpful plan for sobriety, especially for people in dual diagnosis programs who may have both mental health and substance use issues.

How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?

It depends on:

How much you took
Your weight and fat
Your liver health
Your mood, diet, and medications

In general, kratom can be found in:

Urine: up to 7 days
Blood: up to 24 hours
Saliva: up to 24 hours
Hair: up to 90 days

FAQs

Does kratom show up on a 10-panel drug test?

No, kratom usually doesn’t show up on a standard 10-panel drug test unless the test is made to find mitragynine.

Can kratom cause a false positive?

Kratom may not cause a false positive for drugs like opioids, but it may look similar in some mass spectrometry tests. Labs can confirm results.

Is kratom a controlled substance?

Kratom is not yet on the Controlled Substances Act, but the Drug Enforcement Administration is watching it. Some states have banned it.

How can I detox from kratom?

Detoxification from kratom should be done with medical help, especially if there are signs of physical dependence, irritability, or nausea. Support may include therapy and medications.

Is kratom addictive?

Yes, kratom can lead to addiction, especially if used in high doses over time. It affects opioid receptors, which can lead to dependence and withdrawal.

Final Thoughts

So, does kratom show up on a drug test? Not always—but it can if labs are checking for it. Kratom might not be part of regular testing, but it’s still a drug with real effects on the brain, liver, and overall health.

If you or someone you know uses kratom, it’s good to talk to a doctor or addiction professional. They can provide the right information, offer testing, and create a plan that supports long-term sobriety and well-being.

Maverick

See Full Bio

Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test?

What Is Kratom?

Why Do People Use Kratom?

Is Kratom Legal?