Does the Military Test for Kratom? Find out if You are at Risk

Kratom has recently gained a lot of buzz both within the military and civilian circles because of its powerful effects. People who use the herb claim that it suppresses pain, boosts energy, and uplifts mood. However, kratom’s legality and safety have been questioned from time to time, particularly in the military. Many readers want to know if kratom can get them in trouble during their military screening tests.

This guide explores the frequently asked question: “does the military test for kratom?”. It also explains the benefits and risks of kratom as well as the regulatory policies of the Department of Defense (DoD) against using kratom.

But first, let’s understand what kratom is and whether or not its use can get you in trouble in the military.

So What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a popular herbal supplement used as a stimulant and a sedative. It is prepared from the leaves of (Mitragyna speciosa), an evergreen tree grown abundantly in the tropical region of Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its leaves are claimed to relieve pain, fatigue, and digestive ailments. 

Kratom leaves contain more than 40 alkaloids, where the most prominent ones comprise mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine with opioid-like activities. 

• In small doses, kratom is a stimulant. It may increase energy, alertness, and concentration.
• In higher doses, kratom is a sedative. It can inhibit pain and give a calming feeling.

Even though kratom use and popularity are increasing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recommend its use in medicine, raising concerns about its safety and potential dependency. The FDA has advised people not to use kratom products as they induce side effects such as:

•  Addiction
• Liver failure
• Epilepsy

However, kratom is not banned in some states, such as Arizona, New York, Washington and Georgia. In fact, as we speak, there is research going on whether kratom can be used for pain relief and opioid addiction.

Does The Military Test For Kratom?

Among the frequently asked questions revolving around the military and the use of kratom include the issue of whether there is any detection during the usually conducted drug test. To prevent the use of banned drugs among service members, the Department of Defense (DoD) periodically conducts urinalysis tests. The prevalent drug testing is usually done against illicit drugs such as:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Amphetamines
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine (PCP)

The commonly used panels to test for urinalysis in the military do not include Kratom. Even to date, kratom and its alkaloids are not commonly identified by regular drug test procedures. This implies that should a service member ingest kratom, he or she would not rank in any of the drug tests normally implemented that are meant to identify the most abused drugs.

However, the fact that kratom cannot be tested in normal tests does not necessarily mean that using it can be allowed in the military. In an actual sense, the DoD had made the use of kratom among service members illegal. Even though the use of kratom is not covered in the scope of routine drug screens, its use is still held to disciplinary measures in case it can be detected in other surveillance methods, including indications of behavioral patterns or more sophisticated tests.

The DoD Policies on Kratom

The Department of Defense (DoD) has been very categorical about the use of kratom by its members of service. Although kratom is not illegal in some states, point of fact, the DoD issues restrictions against the purchase, possession, or expenditure of products with kratom. 

The rationale behind this ban is several issues, most importantly linked to the:

• Deficit of regulation
• Existing risk of misuse
• Fact that the FDA has not yet approved kratom as a therapeutic agent. 

Kratom is a dietary supplement, and the FDA does not regulate it. The FDA cautions against its use as it can lead to adverse outcomes. The DoD policies, on the other hand, are intended to decrease the risk of the use of an uncontrolled substance, which may lead to unhealthy states, addictions, dependence, and other physical or psychological issues. 

Prohibition of kratom does not depend on whether it is illegal or not in the home state of a service member. It means that even though at the state level, one may use kratom on a personal level (in California or Arizona, for example, kratom use is legal), the military can not consume it. The policies of the DoD are set to focus on the well-being and health of people who serve and leave out the threat of utilizing kratom in a military environment.

Harmful Effects of Kratom

Kratom can be a good source of therapeutic advantages, but its use is not free of dangers, particularly when it comes to military troops. The FDA and DoD have raised safety issues regarding kratom use in their statements. Some of the main dangers of taking kratom are listed below.

• Liver Toxicity

The use of kratom has been linked to reported cases of liver toxicity, especially in users who abuse kratom by using it in extremely high doses or as an extended-duration user. Liver toxicity may be characterized by jaundice, pain, and elevated liver enzymes.

• Seizures

Kratom has also resulted in seizures in some users, especially when used with some other drug or chemical. Higher doses of them pose the risk of cardiac and convulsive complications, and cases of fatalities related to the use of kratom have been reported.

• Substance Use Disorder

Kratom possesses opioid-like effects, and its consumption might cause substance use disorder. Although kratom is usually advertised as a less harmful variant of opioids, it can create dependencies and addictions, particularly when its consumption is frequent.

• Psychological Effects

Psychological complications associated with kratom use include depression, anxiety, and irritability. Such side effects may impact the mental health of individuals and disorient them since they become unable to carry out their daily tasks.

Regulatory Failure

Kratom is a dietary supplement that is sold in the market without any regulation. This presents the risk of its unregulated and improper use. Several tests to determine purity do not exist, so the strength and composition of kratom products may be quite different. Certain kratom products might be contaminated with bacteria, heavy metals, or other harmful compounds and expose consumers to possible risks.

Unstandardized doses are also a problem since the strength of kratom may differ greatly between lots and vendors. The absence of regulation makes it hard to understand the correct dosage or the quality of the product, heightening the possible risk of overdosing or experiencing side effects.

Abuse Potential

Among the key underlying factors that make kratom illegal for the DoD is its capability to produce an opioid-like effect. Kratom responds to the opioid receptors in the brain and includes mu-opioid receptors, creating euphoria, improved mood, and pain relief. This combination makes kratom work as a pain reliever and brings the users the sensation of well-being, which is a characteristic of traditional opioids. This has led to kratom being in demand as a substitute to treat pain or uplift morale, particularly by individuals who want to avoid the dangers of opioid drugs.

Nonetheless, similar to other opioids, kratom has a high potential for abuse. Alkaloids of the plant, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, act as opioid receptors and may cause tolerance. With time, users might also require multiplying the dosage to obtain the same effects, and it is a characteristic of opioid use and abuse. This progressive increase in dose requirement usually paves the way to dependency and addiction as the body becomes dependent on the drug to make the system operational.

Some adverse health effects, such as liver toxicity, gastrointestinal disorders, and mental addiction, are also possible outcomes of prolonged kratom consumption. When a person takes a great quantity or mixes it with other drugs, the risk of overdose or such serious side effects grows. 

Because of these, DoD has decided to ban the consumption of kratom by soldiers in the military to avoid possible health disturbances and protect those in uniform against risks.

Effects of Kratom Taking in the Military

Even though kratom is not found on common drug screening tests in the military, using it remains prohibited by DoD policies, and acts against the rules may result in severe penalties to their members.

Disciplinary Actions

Among the administrative actions that would occur if kratom use is detected within a service member are:

•  Counseling
• Adverse appraisal, or 
• Non-judicial punishment. 

Concerning the degree of said violation, even more serious types of disciplinary measures might be pursued, such as court-martial. Individuals testing positive for the use of banned substances are accountable to the Uniform Code of military justice (UCMJ), which governs law enforcement in the military and specifies the penalty for any misconduct.

Career Impact

Catching a service member using a prohibited substance like kratom can have significant consequences on their career development.  The penalties may lead to:

• Promotion delays
• Fines on special assignments, and
• Military separation. 

Consumption of kratom or any other form of banned substance can leave a permanent bruise on the career of a member in the service.

Legal Ramifications

Depending on the situation, the application of kratom can result in disciplinary problems under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ governs the conduct of the military and is a source of authority as far as disciplining service members based on their violations of substance consumption is concerned. The case may result in prosecution, which can result in criminal charges or even demotion or dismissal.

Substitutes for Kratom to Military Personnel

As kratom use involves dangers and the military prohibits, the service members ought to find alternative, safer methods of dealing with pain, stress, and mental health. Some alternatives that can be considered as potential ones include:

Healthcare Providers Consultation

Service members may approach military healthcare providers to handle various medical problems. In the case of individuals who have a desire to receive pain relievers or counter stress, their health professionals may prescribe controlled drugs, exercise, or even counseling.

Physical Activity

Physical activity effectively enhances mood, minimizes stress, and preserves the body. High-intensity exercise, strength training, and yoga are the forms of exercise that can be used in place of kratom to produce energy levels and general well-being.

Exercises on Stress Management Tools

Soldiers are also exposed to intense stress. Stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises may reduce anxiety and increase focus. These are non-pharmacological methods that can be used in everyday life to improve mental well-being.

Support Services Use

The military provides various support services that enable service members to cope with their mental and physical conditions. These services should be available to guide service members and help them through any stress or mental and substance use challenges through programs such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health counseling, and wellness programs.

Conclusion

So, does kratom pass the military test? Although kratom might not be identified on a regular military drug test, its consumption is highly forbidden by the Department of Defense based on safety, the possibility of abuse, and unregulated use. Military members are to be informed about the dangers behind the use of using kratom, as there is the possibility of becoming addicted, the occurrence of health complications, and the repercussions of disobeying military policies. In the case of those wishing to find alternatives, healthcare professionals, exercising, and access to available support services can provide safer and more effective ways to treat pain and deal with mental health. Service members must follow military policies to protect their health, careers, and overall success in the military.