How Long Does Kratom Stay in Your System?

How long kratom stays in your system depends on myriad factors, and varies from person to person. Dosage, frequency of use, and individual factors such as your metabolism can all influence this. While kratom’s effects can last a few hours, traces of kratom can be detectable in urine for up to several days. 

Get an overview of kratom and how long it can linger in your body, and if you or a loved one are struggling with a kratom addiction, call The Forge Recovery Center for professional support.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves are often used for their potential medicinal benefits. The impact it has on your body depends on the dosage and your individual biochemistry. If you're curious about how long kratom stays in your system, it generally depends on a mix of individual factors.

Concerns have been made by the US and international organizations, such as the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), that kratom products might cause substantial harm. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not authorized any applications for Kratom, and the FDA has urged individuals to steer clear of kratom products due to potentially adverse effects.

What Are The Uses Of Kratom? 

Kratom is known for its pain relieving properties and managing opioid withdrawal, but it also has other uses. When taken in high doses, the effects of kratom are similar to morphine. Here’s a quick summary of its uses:

• Pain Relief: Many people use kratom as a natural alternative for pain management. It has compounds that act on opioid receptors in your brain, which can help reduce the perception of pain in your body.

• Boosting Energy: If you're looking for a natural boost, kratom might help. It's known for its stimulant effects at lower doses, which can increase your energy levels and alertness without the jitters of caffeine.

• Mood Enhancement: Kratom can also influence your mood. Users often report feeling more optimistic and less anxious after taking kratom, which can be beneficial if you're dealing with stress or mild anxiety.

• Managing Withdrawal Symptoms: Some use kratom to ease withdrawal symptoms from opioids. It acts on similar brain receptors, potentially reducing cravings and easing the transition during recovery.

Kratom serves a multitude of purposes, yet it's imperative to weigh these advantages against the potential risks and legal considerations in your region. Always consult a healthcare professional to ensure its appropriateness for your needs.

How Long Kratom Stays in Your System

How long kratom stays in your system varies from person to person. Factors like dosage, frequency of use, and metabolism influence this. Generally, kratom's effects can last for a few hours, but traces might be detectable in urine for up to several days.

Which Factors Influence the Time of Detection?

Several factors come into play that influence the time of detection, from your age and metabolism to your body fat composition, frequency of use, and more:

• Metabolism: Your body’s metabolism plays a crucial role. A faster metabolism speeds up the breakdown of kratom, potentially clearing it from your system quicker.

• Age: Generally, the older you get, the slower your metabolism. This means if you're older, kratom might linger in your system a bit longer compared to younger individuals.

• Body Fat and Physique: Kratom's compounds are fat-soluble. So, if you have a higher body fat percentage, it could take longer for kratom to leave your system.

• Frequency and Dosage of Use: How often and how much kratom you use significantly affects detection time. Regular or high doses can lead to accumulation in your body, extending the detection period.

• Hydration and Diet: Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a healthy diet can facilitate faster elimination of substances like kratom from your system.

• Health of Your Liver and Kidneys: Since these organs are responsible for filtering substances, their health is critical. Poor liver or kidney health can delay the process of clearing kratom.

Each of these factors contributes to the variability in how long kratom can be detected in your system, influencing everything from urine tests to blood tests.

Symptoms of Kratom Withdrawal

Once you stop using kratom after a period of regular use, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can vary depending on how long and how much kratom you've used. Here's what you might experience during kratom withdrawal:

• Fatigue and lethargy: You may feel unusually tired and have a general lack of energy.

• Mood swings: Your emotions might be more volatile than usual, swinging from irritation to sadness.

• Muscle aches and pains: It's common to experience muscle soreness or even sharp pains in various parts of your body.

• Sleep disturbances: You might find it hard to fall asleep, or you could be waking up frequently throughout the night.

• Nausea and vomiting: These are particularly uncomfortable symptoms that can make eating and drinking difficult.

Knowing how long kratom stays in your system is crucial for anticipating withdrawal symptoms, which can vary depending on factors like metabolism, dosage, and frequency of use. While withdrawal may be uncomfortable, remember that it's temporary as your body adjusts.

What Is the Treatment for Kratom Addiction?

Treatment for kratom addiction typically consists of a medical detox, followed by a combination of therapy and medication (if needed). Treatment may take place at an inpatient rehab facility if 24/7 oversight is needed, or an outpatient facility, where patients have the flexibility to go about their daily lives. 

Here’s what you can expect if you’re seeking treatment for kratom addiction:

• Medical Detox: This is often the first step in treating kratom addiction. In a medical detox program, healthcare professionals help manage withdrawal symptoms in a safe environment, making the process more comfortable for you.

• Behavioral Therapies: After detox, engaging in behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT),  or counseling can be very effective. These therapies help you understand your addiction, develop coping strategies, and repair any relationships damaged by your substance use.

• Support Groups: Joining support groups like 12-step programs can provide ongoing support and accountability, which is crucial for long-term recovery.

• Medication: In some cases, medications may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms or co-occurring disorders, such as depression or anxiety, which can be common in individuals recovering from addiction.

Struggling with a Kratom Dependence? We’re Here to Help.

Kratom may be a legal substance, but if taken in high doses and over long periods, it can quickly lead to a harmful addiction. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of managing kratom use, reach out to The Forge Recovery Center to explore personalized treatment plans designed to support you or your loved ones. You’re not alone in this struggle, and we’re here to help.

Written by

The Forge Recovery Center

Reviewed by

Jeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

June 24, 2024