For almost a decade, Eric Poulin has been experiencing episodes that mimic drunkenness despite abstaining from alcohol. Poulin, a resident of Nova Scotia, suffers from auto-brewery syndrome, a condition where his body produces ethanol faster than it can metabolize it, leading to intoxication without alcohol consumption.
At home, Poulin endured distressing episodes that he had no memory of, with reports of crying and existential fears. The condition, classified as rare by the Cleveland Clinic with fewer than 100 documented cases, remains challenging to diagnose due to limited research.
Dr. Rahel Zewude, a specialist in the field, noted that an overgrowth of alcohol-fermenting microorganisms in the gut triggers the syndrome, resulting in continuous fermentation and alcohol-related symptoms like slurred speech and cognitive impairment.
Despite attempts to manage the syndrome through dietary adjustments and antifungal treatments, Poulin’s symptoms persist. Seeking innovative solutions, his medical team is considering a fecal microbiota transplant to restore gut balance. Poulin’s wife, Sarah, actively supports his treatment and advocates for greater awareness of the syndrome.
To aid individuals like Poulin, Sarah is launching an app called ABStrack to help track symptoms and facilitate communication with healthcare providers. Poulin’s life has been significantly impacted by the syndrome, preventing him from working since 2023 and presenting challenges in his role as a father to five children.
Dr. Luke Chen, a rare disease expert at Dalhousie University, emphasized the ongoing struggle rare disease patients face in finding appropriate treatment. Poulin’s uncertain daily existence underscores the significant limitations imposed by auto-brewery syndrome, upending his life in unforeseeable ways.