Man Acquitted of Drunk Driving Charges After Being Diagnosed With a Rare Medical Condition That Intoxicates Him Without Drinking

A man was diagnosed with a rare condition in Belgium that led to his acquittal for drunk driving charges. (Photo by: Armin Weigel/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images)

On Monday, The Guardian reported that a Belgian man was acquitted of drunk driving charges after three doctors independently diagnosed him with auto-brewery syndrome. The National Library of Medicine defines ABS as a medical condition that occurs when ethanol is made within the body after carbohydrates and sugars are consumed.

Though his attorney, Anse Ghesquire, referred to the fact he worked in a brewery as an “unfortunate coincidence,” the man showed no outward signs of inebriation despite there being alcohol in his system.

The National Library of Medicine reports that ABS typically occurs in the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. It can also take place within the oral cavity.

Individuals typically vulnerable to the condition often eat a high-carbohydrate diet or a diet that is rich in sugars. Certain types of candida yeasts turn pathogenic within the body and begin fermenting sugars the individual consumes into alcohol, leading to intoxication.

Though it can occur in perfectly healthy individuals, it typically is diagnosed with other medical conditions like obesity, Crohn’s disease or diabetes.

In December 2021, a pastor in the United States was diagnosed with the rare condition after many people — including his wife — thought he was an alcoholic.

“I would slur my speech, black out and walk around talking but not remember any of it,” he told The Daily Mirror. “I was quite belligerent and combative. I didn’t hurt anyone but once I threw the dining room table and had to get a friend round to calm me down.”

His wife knew he needed medical attention after she administered a breathalyzer test and discovered that his alcohol content was over the legal limit. He had been with her the entire day and had not consumed any alcohol.

Eventually, he was diagnosed with ABS and was placed on a carb and sugar-free diet.

As for the latest case in Belgium, authorities did not respond to The Guardian’s request for comment.

Join the Whiskey Raiders Bottle of the Month Club, where you will receive hard-to-find bottles curated by Whiskey Raiders staff with a 90+ rating on whiskeyraiders.com plus live virtual tastings. Sign up here!