If you’re asking whether kratom shows up on a drug test, you’re not alone. This question has become increasingly common as kratom use continues to rise across the United States. Whether you’re concerned about employment screening, worried about a loved one’s substance use, or facing court-ordered testing, understanding how kratom interacts with drug tests is essential information that can help you make informed decisions about your health and future.
Understanding Kratom and Its Growing Use
Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. The leaves contain active compounds called mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. At lower doses, kratom typically produces stimulant-like effects, while higher doses can cause sedation and pain relief similar to opioids.
In 2021, approximately 1.7 million Americans aged 12 or older reported using kratom within the previous year. People often turn to kratom for pain management, to self-treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, or as an alternative to other substances. Despite its growing popularity, kratom remains unregulated by the FDA and is banned in seven states as of October 2025: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and Louisiana (where the ban took effect August 1, 2025). Additionally, many local jurisdictions have enacted their own bans even in states where kratom is legal statewide.
The Short Answer: Standard Drug Tests Usually Don’t Detect Kratom
Most standard drug tests—including 5-panel, 7-panel, and 10-panel screenings commonly used by employers—do not typically screen for kratom alkaloids. These routine tests focus on detecting substances like marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, PCP, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.
However, this doesn’t mean kratom use is completely undetectable. The answer to whether kratom shows up on a drug test depends entirely on the type of testing being performed and whether the testing organization specifically requests kratom screening.
When Kratom Can Be Detected: Specialized Testing Methods
While standard panels don’t include kratom, specialized tests do exist that can identify its presence. Advanced testing methods, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, can detect kratom’s specific alkaloids when investigators look for them.
These specialized tests might be ordered in specific circumstances. Military personnel, individuals on probation in certain jurisdictions, or those involved in specific legal proceedings may face kratom-specific screening. Some addiction treatment programs may also test for kratom as part of comprehensive substance monitoring.
It’s also important to note that high doses of kratom can sometimes trigger false positives for opioids like methadone on standard tests. This occurs because kratom’s alkaloids share some similarities with traditional opioids, even though they work differently in the brain.
How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?
The detection window for kratom varies based on the testing method used and several individual factors. Understanding these timeframes can help you better understand your testing situation.
Detection Times by Test Type
- Urine Testing: Kratom metabolites can be detected in urine for up to seven days after last use, though this varies based on usage patterns. For occasional users, detection may be shorter, while regular users might test positive for the full week.
- Blood Testing: Blood tests typically detect kratom for 24 to 48 hours after consumption. While more sensitive than some other methods, blood testing is less common for routine drug screening due to its invasive nature and short detection window.
- Saliva Testing: Similar to blood testing, saliva tests generally detect kratom use for approximately 24 to 48 hours. However, specialized saliva tests for kratom are currently rare and not widely used.
- Hair Follicle Testing: Hair tests can potentially detect substances for up to 90 days, offering the longest detection window. However, hair testing specifically for kratom is uncommon and not routinely available.
Factors That Influence Kratom Detection
Several variables affect how long kratom remains detectable in your system and whether specialized tests will identify its presence.
Usage Patterns and Dosage
Frequency of use and dosage significantly influence detection time, with regular kratom consumption leading to accumulation in the body and potentially extending detection windows. Someone using kratom daily at high doses will retain detectable levels much longer than someone who used it once in small amounts.
Individual Metabolic Factors
Your body’s unique characteristics play a substantial role in how quickly kratom is processed and eliminated. Age affects metabolism, with older individuals generally metabolizing substances more slowly. Body weight and composition matter as well, with higher body fat percentages potentially leading to longer retention times.
Kratom has a half-life of approximately 24 hours, meaning it takes about one day for the body to eliminate half of the consumed amount. However, complete elimination takes longer, and repeated use causes accumulation.
Liver and Kidney Function
Since your liver and kidneys are responsible for processing and eliminating substances from your body, any impairment in these organs can significantly slow kratom elimination. This extends the detection window and increases the likelihood of a positive test result.
Hydration and Diet
Staying well-hydrated helps your body eliminate kratom metabolites through urination, potentially shortening detection time. The timing of kratom consumption relative to meals can also affect absorption rates and how long the substance remains in your system.
Understanding the Risks: When Kratom Use Becomes a Problem
While some people use kratom without developing problems, the substance can lead to dependence and addiction, with regular users experiencing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, tolerance, and cross-tolerance to other opioids.
Signs of Kratom Dependence
If you’re concerned about your kratom use or that of a loved one, watch for these common signs of drug use and addiction:
- Needing increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences in work, relationships, or health
- Spending significant time and money obtaining and using kratom
- Failed attempts to cut down or quit
- Using kratom to avoid withdrawal symptoms rather than for its original intended purpose
Kratom Withdrawal Symptoms
When regular users stop taking kratom, they may experience psychological withdrawal symptoms, including depressed mood, anxiety, restlessness, and irritability, along with physical symptoms such as muscle aches, joint pain, runny nose, insomnia, loss of appetite, and tremors.
These withdrawal symptoms, while typically less severe than traditional opioid withdrawal, can be uncomfortable enough to drive continued use and make quitting difficult without professional support.
Kratom’s Legal Status in Texas: What Dallas Residents Should Know
Since Lighthouse Recovery is located in Dallas, TX, it’s important to understand kratom’s current legal status in Texas and potential upcoming changes that could affect residents.
Current Texas Law
As of October 2025, kratom remains legal in Texas for adults 18 and older under the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act (House Bill 1097), which was passed in 2023. This law established regulations requiring:
- Third-party lab testing for kratom products
- Proper labeling with alkaloid content and usage instructions
- Prohibition of sales to individuals under 18
- Restrictions on adulterated or contaminated products
Currently, no major Texas cities—including Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio—have enacted local kratom bans.
Proposed Legislation: Senate Bill 1868
However, Texas residents should be aware of significant proposed changes. Senate Bill 1868, introduced in March 2025, would dramatically alter kratom’s legal landscape in Texas by:
- Classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance (the same category as heroin and LSD)
- Making possession, sale, and distribution a criminal offense with potential felony charges
- Raising the minimum age from 18 to 21
- Specifically targeting synthetic kratom products commonly sold at gas stations and convenience stores
As of October 2025, this bill has been referred to the Public Health committee but has not yet passed. The legislation reflects concerns about high-potency synthetic kratom products and their opioid-like effects.
What This Means for Dallas Residents
If you’re using kratom in the Dallas area, it’s important to stay informed about these legislative developments. While kratom is currently legal, the proposed changes could make it a controlled substance with serious legal consequences for possession or use.
More importantly, if you’re monitoring kratom legislation because you’re concerned about your use or facing potential legal consequences, this may indicate that it’s time to evaluate your relationship with the substance and consider whether professional support could help.
The Importance of Honest Disclosure
If you’re facing a drug test and have used kratom, consider the context and requirements of your specific situation. For employment screening using standard panels, kratom typically won’t appear. However, if you’re in the military, on probation, or in a treatment program, specialized testing may be used.
More importantly, if you’re concerned about drug testing because kratom use has become a problem in your life, this worry might be a sign that it’s time to seek treatment. The anxiety around testing often indicates that substance use has progressed beyond casual or controlled use. If you’re a family member worried about someone’s kratom use, learning how to stage an intervention can help you approach the conversation with compassion and effectiveness.
Professional Treatment Options in Dallas, TX
At Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas, TX, we understand that substance use disorders can develop with various substances, including those that aren’t always recognized as problematic. Whether you’re struggling with kratom, traditional opioids, or other substances, professional treatment provides the support and tools necessary for lasting recovery.
Comprehensive Outpatient Programs
Our Intensive Outpatient Program offers flexible treatment that allows you to maintain work and family obligations while receiving comprehensive care. With group therapy, individual counseling, and evidence-based treatment modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), our IOP provides the structure and support needed for recovery.
For those requiring more intensive support, our Partial Hospitalization Program offers six hours daily of structured programming five days per week. This higher level of care provides the accountability necessary for early recovery while still allowing you to return home each evening.
Specialized Support and Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t end when formal programming concludes. Our Recovery Coaching provides ongoing accountability, goal-setting support, and guidance as you build your new life in recovery. This continued support significantly reduces relapse risk and helps you navigate challenges that arise after treatment.
For young adults struggling with substance use and independence-building challenges, Lighthouse Recovery specializes in failure-to-launch cases and college student treatment. Our small group sizes—with a maximum of eight people versus the industry average of 24—ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections with peers and staff.
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches
We employ comprehensive treatment modalities proven effective for substance use disorders:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Develops skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
- EMDR Therapy: Addresses underlying trauma that may contribute to substance use patterns
- Family Systems Therapy: Involves loved ones in the recovery process and repairs damaged relationships
- Motivational Interviewing: Enhances internal motivation for change rather than relying on external pressure
When to Seek Help
If kratom use has progressed from occasional experimentation to regular use, or if you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to reach out for professional support:
- Inability to stop or cut down despite wanting to
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Relationship problems related to substance use
- Work or school performance is declining
- Financial difficulties due to substance costs
- Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or other emotions
- Hiding substance use from loved ones
- Worrying about drug testing or legal consequences
Recovery is possible, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Lighthouse Recovery, our Joint Commission-accredited facility provides the highest standard of care with a compassionate, experienced team ready to support your journey. If you’re still wondering what to look for in an addiction treatment program, we encourage you to reach out with questions—we’re here to help you understand your options.
Insurance and Accessibility
We work with most major insurance providers to make treatment accessible and affordable. Lighthouse Recovery is in-network with over 100 insurance carriers, which means lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums compared to out-of-network facilities. We also offer private pay options and in-house financing for those who prefer not to use insurance.
Taking the First Step Forward
Whether you’re personally struggling with kratom use, concerned about a loved one, or simply seeking information about drug testing, understanding the facts empowers you to make informed decisions. While kratom may not show up on standard drug tests, the real concern isn’t whether it’s detectable—it’s whether your use has become problematic.
If you recognize warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery begins with a single step, and that step starts with a phone call.
Get Started Today
Getting started is easy. Use one of the options here to get in touch with a Lighthouse Staff member. We’ll discuss your needs, expectations for treatment, and our programming options. We look forward to speaking with you, and thank you for your trust.
Call us at 214-396-0259 or verify your insurance online.
References
- American Chemical Society Laboratory Testing Services. (2025). Does Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test? Retrieved from https://www.acslab.com/kratom/does-kratom-show-up-on-a-drug-test
- Singh, D., Müller, C. P., & Vicknasingam, B. K. (2020). Kratom Dependence and Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Cureus, 12(6).
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Kratom Research Topics. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/kratom
- ChoicePoint Health. (2025). Will Kratom Show Up On A Drug Test? Retrieved from https://www.choicepointhealth.com/will-kratom-show-up-on-a-drug-test/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2022). 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed Tables. Rockville, MD: Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.
- Texas Legislature Online. (2025). Senate Bill 1868: Relating to Adding Certain Substances to the Texas Controlled Substances Act. 89th Legislature, Regular Session.
- Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney. (2025). Is Kratom Legal in Texas? A Guide to 2025 Regulations. Retrieved from https://georgiawrongfuldeathattorney.com/wrongful-death-blogs/is-kratom-legal-in-texas/
FAQs for Kratom Post
Can employers test for kratom use?
Most employers use standard 5-panel or 10-panel drug tests that do not screen for kratom. However, some employers—particularly in industries with strict substance policies, military positions, or safety-sensitive roles—may request specialized kratom testing. If you’re concerned about employment drug screening, it’s best to review your company’s specific drug testing policy or speak with HR about what substances are included in their screening panel.
How long does kratom stay detectable in urine?
Kratom metabolites can typically be detected in urine for up to seven days after last use, though this timeframe varies based on several factors. Occasional users may test positive for a shorter period (3-5 days), while regular, heavy users might show positive results for the full week. Factors affecting detection time include frequency of use, dosage amount, individual metabolism, body weight, hydration levels, and kidney function.
Will kratom cause a false positive for opioids?
While kratom interacts with opioid receptors in the brain, it typically does not cause false positives on standard opioid tests because its alkaloids (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) are chemically distinct from traditional opioids. However, high doses of kratom have occasionally triggered false positives for methadone on some screening tests. If you test positive for opioids and have only used kratom, request a confirmatory test using more specific methods like mass spectrometry, which can differentiate between kratom alkaloids and actual opioids.
Is kratom legal for use in Dallas, Texas?
As of October 2025, kratom is legal in Dallas and throughout Texas for adults 18 and older under the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act (HB 1097). However, proposed Senate Bill 1868 would ban kratom entirely by classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance. This bill has been referred to committee but has not yet passed. Dallas residents should stay informed about these potential legislative changes, as the law could significantly impact kratom’s legal status in Texas.
What should I do if I’m worried about kratom showing up on a drug test?
If you’re concerned about kratom detection on an upcoming drug test, first determine what type of test will be administered and whether it includes specialized kratom screening. For standard employment or probation tests, kratom typically won’t be detected. However, if your worry about testing indicates that kratom use has become problematic—interfering with work, relationships, or causing anxiety about consequences—this may be a sign to seek professional support. Lighthouse Recovery in Dallas offers confidential addiction treatment services and can help you evaluate your substance use. Call 214-396-0259 to speak with an admissions specialist.