Drunken Behavior Leads to a Rare Medical Condition

A rare medical condition called auto brewery syndrome can result in a person’s body essentially brewing their own alcohol, contributing to drunken-like behaviors even when the person has not consumed alcohol.

People who live in Arkansas know that the state’s laws on drunk driving can be tough. A charge of driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence may result in a person losing their right to drive for a while, spending time in jail, paying high fines and more. But what happens when a person is arrested for and charged with an impaired driving offense even if they have not consumed alcohol? As amazing as it may sound, this is actually possible.

Understanding auto brewery syndrome

Among the many medical conditions that most people may never hear about is something called auto brewery syndrome or gut fermentation syndrome. As explained by Healthline, in this condition, a person develops sufficient yeast in their gastrointestinal tract that the body ends up fermenting and converting into alcohol. This may happen even if no alcohol was consumed.

Early symptoms of ABS may include mood or memory issues, dehydration, dry mouth and disorientation. People may eventually act as though they are completely drunk. When a person with this condition operates a vehicle, they may be at risk of being charged with a drunk driving offense. A test may record a blood alcohol content well over the legal limit regardless of whether or not they have had any alcoholic beverages.

Certain factors like a reduced immune system, poor dietary habits or the use of antibiotics may contribute to the development of auto brewery syndrome.

One man’s story

The Washington Post reported on the case of one man who was accused of drunk driving when his BAC was found to be 0.20% despite his strong denial of consuming alcohol. After pursuing matters for an extended period of time, his ABS was diagnosed. The root cause of the condition for him was a course of antibiotics that wiped out his body’s normal healthy flora in the GI tract. After that time, whenever he would eat foods rich in simple or complex sugars or drink sweet beverages, his body would convert the sugar into alcohol.

Over time, a strict low-sugar and low-carbohydrate diet coupled with the use of antifungal medications provided the assistance he required. Results of a study published in a medical journal indicate that many cases of auto brewery syndrome likely go undiagnosed.

One woman’s story

Another form of auto brewery syndrome has also been diagnosed. USA Today explains that a woman was found to have high levels of alcohol in her urine. She had been believed to be a heavy drinker as she suffered from a serious liver condition which put her on the list for a liver transplant. In the end, it was discovered she had urinary auto brewery syndrome, or bladder fermentation syndrome, as her body brewed alcohol in the bladder versus the GI tract.

Drivers deserve fair treatment

Anyone in Arkansas who has been accused of a drunk driving offense should know that they have the right to defend themselves against any charges. People in this situation are encouraged to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney to understand how they may protect themselves.