Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test? What You Need to Know for Recovery and Support

Does kratom show up on a drug test? It’s a common question, especially for those in recovery or supporting someone who is. Kratom is often used for pain relief or to ease withdrawal symptoms, but its presence in drug screenings can raise serious concerns. 

While it's not included in most standard drug panels, some specialized tests can detect it. If you’re working toward a sober life, knowing how kratom may affect drug testing—and your progress—is essential. This article provides the facts you need to stay informed and focused on recovery.

Kratom is often promoted as a natural remedy, but its impact on mental health and addiction recovery can be profound. Understanding what it is and why people use it is key to addressing its role in treatment.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain psychoactive compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with opioid receptors in the brain.

Effects and Perceived Benefits

While it is not classified as an opioid, kratom can produce similar effects such as pain relief, mild euphoria, and sedation at higher doses. At lower doses, users may experience increased energy and alertness.

Why People Use Kratom

Many people turn to kratom for a variety of reasons. Some use it to manage chronic pain, especially in areas where access to prescription painkillers is limited or risky. Others take kratom to self-medicate withdrawal symptoms from opioids, hoping to ease the discomfort during detox. Additionally, some individuals use kratom for anxiety relief or to boost mood and focus.

Risks for People in Recovery

Despite these perceived benefits, kratom carries a risk of dependence, and its unregulated nature adds to its unpredictability, making it especially concerning in the context of recovery. 

Though marketed as a natural or safer alternative, its psychoactive effects can disrupt sobriety goals, lead to new dependencies, and increase the risk of relapse.

Not all drug tests are designed to detect kratom, but that doesn’t mean it goes unnoticed. Depending on the type of test and the setting, kratom use can be identified.

Standard 5-Panel and 10-Panel Tests

The most commonly used drug screening tools are the 5-panel and 10-panel urine tests. A standard 5-panel test checks for THC, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and opiates. Kratom is not among the substances screened by this panel.

A 10-panel test may include additional substances like barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, and propoxyphene, but kratom is still generally not included unless requested by an employer, legal authority, or treatment provider.

Specialized Testing Methods

Some drug tests can detect kratom, but these are not part of routine screenings. Specialized laboratory tests, such as those using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), can identify mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in a person’s system. 

These tests are typically reserved for cases where kratom use is suspected or when a more comprehensive drug profile is needed.

Blood, Saliva, and Hair Tests

• Blood Tests: Kratom can be detected in the blood, but only for a short period. Blood testing is a more invasive and less commonly used procedure, used mainly in emergency or forensic situations.

• Saliva Tests: Kratom is unlikely to be detected in saliva. These tests are generally used for recent drug use but are not effective for detecting kratom compounds.

• Hair Tests: In theory, kratom could be detected in hair follicles for up to 90 days, similar to other substances. However, hair testing for kratom is rare and not commonly practiced.

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Knowing how long kratom stays in the system helps clarify the risk of detection and complications in treatment. Detection times can vary widely based on several factors.

Urine Testing

Urine tests are the most common method for detecting drug use. Kratom alkaloids can generally be detected in urine for up to five to seven days after use. For individuals who use kratom regularly or in large amounts, the detection window may be longer.

Blood Testing

Kratom is detectable in blood for a shorter period, typically up to three days. Due to its shorter detection window and the invasiveness of the test, blood testing is less common, except in clinical or legal settings.

Hair Testing

Hair follicle tests can potentially detect kratom use for up to 90 days. However, this form of testing is not standard and is rarely used for kratom due to cost and practicality.

False Positives

While kratom is not chemically identical to opioids, its interaction with opioid receptors can lead to concerns about cross-reactivity in drug tests. 

There have been reports of false positives, particularly for methadone or other opioids, although these cases are relatively uncommon. 

Still, if you are in treatment or subject to drug screening, it’s essential to disclose kratom use to your healthcare provider or treatment team to avoid misinterpretation of results.

Kratom can seem like a helpful alternative, but in recovery, every substance has consequences. Its effects can interfere with long-term sobriety and increase the risk of setbacks.

Impact on Recovery Progress

For individuals in recovery, every substance matters. While kratom may seem like a harmless or "natural" option, it can significantly impact your progress. 

Its psychoactive effects can interfere with your emotional regulation, mental clarity, and stability—all of which are critical in the early and ongoing stages of recovery.

Risk of New Dependencies

Using kratom during recovery can also introduce new patterns of dependence. It may start as a way to manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms, but over time, it can become another substance your body and mind rely on. This kind of substitution can hinder proper recovery and may lead to relapse with other substances.

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Kratom dependence can be addressed through a combination of therapeutic approaches and supportive care. At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer a range of evidence-based treatment options designed to help individuals safely overcome kratom use and build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

• Medical Detox: For those with physical dependence, supervised detox ensures safety and comfort during withdrawal.

• Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling helps address the psychological drivers of kratom use and promotes healthier coping strategies.

• Group Therapy: Shared experiences in a supportive group setting can strengthen accountability and reduce feelings of isolation.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps reshape negative thought patterns and behaviors linked to substance use.

• Dual Diagnosis Treatment: For clients with co-occurring mental health disorders, integrated care addresses both issues simultaneously.

• Aftercare Planning: Ongoing support after treatment, including relapse prevention tools and community resources, helps maintain sobriety.

Every treatment plan is personalized to meet your unique needs, ensuring you receive the right combination of care to support your recovery.

If you’re concerned about kratom showing up on a drug test—or how it may be affecting your recovery—you’re not alone. Kratom use can complicate sobriety, but support is available. 

At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer compassionate, personalized care to help you overcome dependence and reclaim control of your life. 

Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Recovery is possible—and it starts with reaching out.

We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

CALL US: 844-620-3343

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