For almost a decade, Eric Poulin has been experiencing episodes that mimic drunkenness, despite abstaining from alcohol. Poulin suffers from auto-brewery syndrome, a condition where his body produces ethanol faster than it can metabolize, resulting in intoxication without alcohol consumption.
These episodes at home have been distressing, with Poulin having no memory of them. He recounted incidents where his children informed him of his actions, including crying and expressing fear of death, none of which he could recall.
Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare and poorly understood condition, with fewer than 100 documented cases according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Rahel Zewude explained that the syndrome arises from an overgrowth of alcohol-fermenting microorganisms in the gut, leading to continuous alcohol production and subsequent intoxication symptoms.
Symptoms of auto-brewery syndrome, such as slurred speech, alcohol-like odor, and cognitive impairment, can manifest unpredictably. Dr. Luke Chen, a hematologist at Dalhousie University, is assisting Poulin in finding appropriate treatment for his condition.
Treatment for auto-brewery syndrome typically involves a low-carbohydrate diet and antifungal therapy. Despite Poulin’s attempts to manage his symptoms through diet and medication, he continues to experience them. Poulin’s medical team is also considering a fecal microbiota transplant to restore healthy gut bacteria as a potential treatment.
Poulin’s wife, Sarah, closely monitors his symptoms and advocates for better awareness of the syndrome. She is developing an app called ABStrack to help individuals with auto-brewery syndrome track their symptoms and facilitate communication with healthcare providers.
Living with auto-brewery syndrome has severely impacted Poulin’s life, preventing him from working since 2023 and posing challenges in his role as a father to five children. The unpredictable nature of the condition restricts his daily activities and leaves him uncertain about the future.