The 40-year-old was diagnosed with auto-brewery syndrome (ABS), a disorder in which the stomach produces excessive amounts of ethanol, which can be intoxicating.
Individuals suffering from the disorder may exhibit symptoms akin to intoxication, such as speech impediment, gait disturbance, impaired motor coordination, lightheadedness, and regurgitation.
In 2019—what his attorney called “another unfortunate coincidence”—the man, who also worked at a brewery, was found guilty for the first time of driving under the influence.
He was unaware of his condition at the time. Local media, however, said that he was bewildered because he had not consumed any alcohol.
