Auto-brewery syndrome (ABS) is a rare metabolic condition in which the body essentially produces its own alcohol. Few diagnosed cases exist due to the lack of awareness and understanding of the syndrome, making it difficult for those affected to receive the proper medical treatment and legal recognition. The condition can be triggered by antibiotics, disrupting the balance of microflora in the intestines and allowing fungi to proliferate. When certain individuals with ABS consume carbohydrates, their bodies ferment them into alcohol, causing them to feel and appear intoxicated even though they have not consumed any alcoholic beverages. Despite the very real consequences of ABS, including legal issues such as DUI charges and medical complications, many individuals struggle to have their condition acknowledged by judges, physicians, and the public.
One woman who claimed to have ABS was pulled over for driving on a flat tire and blew a .40 on a breathalyzer test, a level that is often considered fatal. However, she only felt slightly wobbly on her feet, demonstrating the disconnect between blood alcohol levels and perceived intoxication for those with ABS. In another case, an Oregon man with ABS was convicted of a DUI after crashing his truck, spilling 11,000 salmon across the highway. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by individuals with ABS in having their condition recognized and understood, leading to potentially devastating legal and social consequences.
Treatment for ABS involves adopting a no-carb diet and introducing anti-fungal medications to kill the bacteria responsible for fermenting alcohol in the gut. By slowly reintroducing carbohydrates, the production of alcohol in the stomach can be controlled, helping individuals manage their symptoms and avoid legal issues related to alcohol consumption. Despite the availability of treatments for ABS, the lack of public awareness remains a significant barrier to proper recognition and understanding of the condition. This gap in understanding has led to individuals losing their jobs and facing legal consequences due to employers, judges, and prosecutors refusing to acknowledge ABS as a legitimate medical condition.
Auto-brewery syndrome advocacy and research groups are working to raise awareness of the condition and provide support for those affected by it. These efforts aim to educate the medical community, legal professionals, and the general public about ABS, facilitating better recognition and treatment for individuals with the syndrome. By increasing awareness of ABS and its impact on those affected, advocates hope to prevent further instances of individuals facing legal and social challenges due to their condition. Despite the difficulties faced by individuals with ABS, the efforts of advocacy groups and medical experts offer hope for improved understanding and support for those living with this rare metabolic condition.
In one tragic case, a man with ABS, Donato Giannotto, passed away in 2020 due to heart failure, with ABS listed as a contributing factor on his autopsy. Donato’s experience with the condition, which led to numerous hospitalizations and a DUI arrest, underscores the serious consequences that ABS can have on individuals’ lives. His story, as well as others affected by ABS, highlights the urgent need for increased awareness, understanding, and support for those living with this rare metabolic condition. Through continued advocacy and education efforts, it is possible to improve the recognition and treatment of ABS, ensuring individuals receive the care and support they need to manage the challenges associated with the syndrome.
