How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your System?

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace expert medical or mental health advice. Kratom misuse requires a comprehensive psychiatric and physical evaluation by a qualified clinician. So, always refer to a board-certified physician or mental health specialist for a specific diagnosis and treatment.

Kratom is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It is also known as biak, kakaum, ketum, thang, and thom. Kratom contains two main psychoactive ingredients - mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine - which give rise to a high, which is why kratom comes with a risk of misuse and dependence. While kratom is not a controlled substance in the U.S., some states can impose regulations and prohibitions on kratom use - which is why knowing how long kratom lasts in your system enables you to make informed decisions with regard to your safety and well-being.

Typically, kratom stays in your body anywhere between 2 and 9 days after the last dose; however, depending on the drug testing methods used, it can be detected for even longer.

Kratom's half-life is around 3 hours. This refers to the time taken for kratom in your body to be reduced by half, then another half of the remaining half, and so on. It takes several half-life cycles before kratom is entirely cleared from your system.

Kratom stays in your system for 2 - 9 days after the last dose, but depending on the type of drug test used, it can be detected for shorter or longer periods of time.

How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your Urine?

Kratom can be detected in your urine for 5 days after the last dose. As urine tests are easy to administer and inexpensive, they are the most commonly used drug tests.

How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your Saliva?

Saliva tests are not yet used to detect kratom.

How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your Blood?

Kratom can be detected in your blood for 2 - 9 days. As blood tests are slightly more invasive than the others, they are not as commonly used except in clinical settings.

How Long Does Kratom Stay In Your Hair?

Kratom can be detected in your hair for up to 90 days. Hair tests are not commonly used except to establish a history of kratom use.

Kratom stays in your system anywhere between 2 and 9 days after the last dose. However, some factors can further impact this time:

• Dosage and Frequency: Higher the dosage and more frequent the use, kratom remains in your system for a longer period of time.
• Metabolism: Metabolism is responsible for breaking down kratom, so faster metabolism rates lead to quicker elimination.
• Age: As aging slows down metabolism, it can take longer for kratom to be cleared from the body as one ages.
• Liver and Kidney Functioning: The liver and kidneys are respectively responsible for metabolism and excretion. So, pre-existing liver or kidney conditions can slow down the elimination time.
• Body Mass: Greater body mass can lead to longer retention time.

Kratom does not show up on the general 5-panel or 7-panel drug tests, as they commonly test for amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, and other drugs like PCP and ecstasy.

However, kratom can be detected with specialized, lab-based tests that specifically look for mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says that there are presently no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications to treat kratom misuse or dependence, so it is primarily treated with behavioral therapies.

Some of the widely-used therapeutic modalities are motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and 12-step facilitation therapies. Group therapy, family therapy, and healthy living practices like meditation, mindfulness, and peer support can also be effective when combined with traditional therapy.

If you or a loved one is struggling with kratom misuse and dependence, please reach out to NuView Treatment Center today. Our licensed and experienced clinical team offers a full continuum of personalized outpatient care that lays a strong foundation for your healing and lasting recovery.

Please contact us at (323) 307-7997 to explore your healing options today!

How long does kratom take to show effect?

Kratom is fast-acting; it begins to show effect between 5 and 15 minutes after consumption, and can last for 2 -5 hours.

Does kratom have medical uses?

Kratom’s medical use is only based on anecdotal evidence, but the FDA has not approved it for any medical uses.

Can kratom be addictive?

Kratom has pain-relieving effects and leads to a sense of euphoria; therefore, it comes with a risk of misuse and dependence.

Is kratom legal?

Kratom is not a controlled substance in the U.S., but some states can impose regulations or prohibitions. So, it can be a legally gray area depending on where you are.

Can kratom misuse be treated?

Kratom misuse can be treated with behavioral therapies.