An ‘underdiagnosed’ condition could get you a DUI without drinking a drop of alcohol
A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can ruin your life. In addition to having a criminal record, a drunk driving arrest could cost you over $10,000 in legal processes and harm your professional and personal life. However, for an unfortunate few, a medical condition could be the reason police slap them with a DUI arrest.
Auto-brewery syndrome is a rare condition where the body produces alcohol– and it could lead to a DUI
Auto-brewery syndrome is a serious, albeit rare condition. ABS (no, not that ABS) prompts patients’ bodies to produce alcohol as part of their normal processes. Also referred to as Gut Fermentation Syndrome, the condition can
According to the University of Virginia School of Medicine, ABS “fermentation of ingested carbohydrate results in endogenous production of ethanol.” In less medical speak, people with ABS produce alcohol as part of their gastrointestinal system. It might seem like a joking matter, but the condition is far from jest-worthy for the afflicted.
Unfortunately, ABS puts afflicted patients at a heightened risk of getting a DUI. In one such case, Belgian courts acquitted a man following a drunk driving arrest for ABS. After testing and evaluation, the court system found the man not guilty, despite having alcohol in his system.
Still, ABS is a rare condition. Although “underdiagnosed,” medical professionals recommend ruling out “secret drinking” before rendering an ABS diagnosis. Moreover, patients may exhibit many of the typical attributes of a person who drinks alcohol habitually. For instance, patients may present with slurred speech, dizziness, or balance issues.
However, the condition could be a defensive tactic in a DUI case. Tragically, some parties will argue that they have ABS and, consequently blew over the legal limit during a breathalyzer test.
Medical staff at the University of Virginia argue that a comprehensive evaluation and history is the only way to make a diagnosis. “When investigating a patient with possible ABS, a complete medical history and a physical examination should be augmented with interrogation of family and friends as they may provide additional vital information.”
