Belgian man acquitted of drunk driving charges due to rare medical condition

A Belgian man has been acquitted of drink-driving charges due to a rare medical condition called Auto-Bravery Syndrome (ABS). This condition causes his body to convert certain foods into alcohol, causing symptoms such as slurred speech and dizziness.

The 40-year-old man, whose name has not been shared, was examined by three doctors who confirmed that he is suffering from ABS. When police stopped him he did not show signs of being drunk, but due to his condition he had a high amount of alcohol in his system.

In a strange twist, the man works at a brewery, which his lawyer called “another unfortunate coincidence.” This is not the first time that a person has faced legal trouble due to ABS. In 2019, he was convicted of drink-driving, but his condition was not known at the time. Despite protests from the police, he was fined and his driving license suspended.

The man’s most recent encounter with the law occurred in April 2022 when he was pulled over by police and found to be over the legal drinking limit, even though he had not been drinking. The judge ruled that he must take steps to drive safely, such as controlling his diet or using a device to test his breath before driving.

According to his lawyer, only about 20 people worldwide have been diagnosed with ABS.

Auto-brewery syndrome, also known as gut fermentation syndrome or “drunkenness disease”, is a rare condition that can make someone feel intoxicated without actually drinking alcohol. It can also make someone extremely intoxicated after only a few drinks.

Symptoms of ABS include dizziness similar to a hangover, red skin, disorientation, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

People do not inherit ABS, but it can develop as a complication of other diseases or infections in the body. For example, Crohn’s disease can cause ABS by producing too much yeast in the gut. Treatment includes reducing carbohydrates in the diet and taking antifungal medication.