Kratom has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to prescription painkillers and as a tool for managing addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
If you’re considering using or already using Kratom, you may have questions about whether it will show up on a drug test. You may be wondering how long does kratom stay in a person’s system. What is the detection window for Kratom use?
In this blog post, we’ll explore whether Kratom shows up on different types of kratom drug tests and what you should know before undergoing a kratom test.
How Long Does Kratom Stay Active in Your Body?
While kratom is slowly entering the limelight, some research has been done to establish the impacts and time it takes for these products to leave the system.
Kratom allows a half-life of around 24 hours, however, its presence can be detected as long as 40 hours. Consequently, it is believed that kratom clears out of a person’s body within 6-9 days.
Does Kratom Show on Drug Tests?
This question may vary depending on some factors such as the time passed from kratom use, and the dosage taken. It also depends on the type of test used.
While there are many different forms of kratom drug tests, a person receives a 5-panel drug test. In that case, it will check for evidence that the individual has used five distinct types of drugs: marijuana, opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, and phencyclidine or PCP.
This kratom drug test won’t show Kratom. In cases where the test is a 10-panel drug test, then the kratom alkaloids will be detected. The 10-panel drug test searches for the same substances as the 5-panel test, plus barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methadone, methaqualone, and propoxyphene.
“5-Panel” Drug Tests
A 5-panel drug test is a form of drug test that screens for five specific illegal drugs in an individual’s body system.
The standard 5-panel drug test typically screens for the following substances:
- Marijuana (THC): This refers to the psychoactive substance found in marijuana.
- Cocaine: An addictive drug with tropic alkaloids obtained from the coca plant and used for enhancing one’s energy levels, and focus.
- Phencyclidine (PCP): A hallucinogenic drug that is also known as “angel dust”.
- Amphetamines: This is for both the substituted amphetamines such as Adderall amphetamine and the legitimate amphetamines for instance meth or crystal meth.
- Opiates: This group is made of drugs that are obtained from the opium poppy and includes heroin, morphine, and codeine.
“10-Panel” Drug Tests
A 10-panel drug test takes longer and costs more for employers to administer compared to a 5-panel drug test, and it typically uses urine but may use blood or saliva. It’s a common method to check for the presence of 10 specific drugs in a person’s system:
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana (THC)
- Methadone
- Opiates
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Propoxyphene
- Quaaludes (methaqualone)
When Can Kratom Show Up in Tests?
While routine tests miss kratom, specialist drug panels can identify its presence. These tests focus on kratom’s alkaloids, primarily mitragynine, and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.
Let’s explore the methods used to detect kratom:
1. Urine Test:
If a test specifically searches for kratom alkaloids, they may be found in urine up to a week after usage.
2. Blood Test:
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.
3. Hair Test:
Detecting kratom using hair follicle analysis is unusual, however, traces may be present for up to 90 days.
4. Saliva testing:
Saliva testing is becoming more widespread, particularly in business settings. Kratom, on the other hand, is not normally up on a saliva drug test, even if the test is particularly designed to detect the material. Factors affecting the detection window.
Signs of Kratom Addiction
The signs of kratom addiction are as follows:
- Hyperactivity
- Extreme levels of energy
- Weight loss.
- Lack of appetite
- Hallucinations
- Psychosis
- Feeling uncomfortable in social situations without utilizing kratom.
- Frequent urination
- Itchy skin.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Often seem or behave sedated.
- Excessive sleep
Factors Influencing Kratom Detection in Drug Tests
Below are some of the most important factors that may cause kratom to appear as a substance that causes a positive drug test. These factors include:
1. Test sensitivity
While most routine drug screenings do not directly detect kratom’s alkaloid profile, high levels of kratom or its metabolites may result in positive reactions to other opioids including methadone.
2. Quality of kratom ingested
Kratom can be purchased as a dietary supplement thus the quality of the product varies.
3. Metabolism
Each person’s metabolism is unique, determining how the substance will be metabolized and eliminated from the body. Based on how quickly kratom alkaloids are metabolized and cleared from the body, we understand how they may or may not show up on drug tests.
4. Dosage
Increasing kratom consumption often broadens the detection window.
5. Frequency of Use
Regular kratom use might result in prolonged detection times.
Factors That Impact Kratom’s Duration 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 do 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.
Final Overview
It is highly advisable to know how kratom tests work because kratom is the most demanded among users for the desired effects, such as pain relievers and mood elevators.
Normal 5-panel drug tests that are used do not include kratom, thus users of this drug will not trigger any reactions from the test. However, the 10-panel test and particular scans can see kratom alkaloids like mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. Some of these factors include; the dosage of the kratom, how often the product is taken, metabolic systems in the body, and quality of the Kratom taken among others.
However, if you are a kratom user and still worried about the possibility of passing a drug test anytime soon, then it is recommended that you do your pilot research on which tests are administered or which type of kratom you are consuming and find ways to avoid use for awhile.
Curious about how kratom can fit into your wellness routine? Explore high-quality kratom products from ON7 today and make informed choices for your health!