Get high without drinking? This was even a topic in the ZDF series “Bergdoktor”. But how is that supposed to work? US scientists are on the trail of the rare disease with the abbreviation ABS – fortunately.
Even the abbreviation makes you suspicious. ABS – that stands for anti-lock braking system. But “Auto-Brewery Syndrome” (ABS)? Home brewer syndrome? The scriptwriters of the ZDF series “Bergdoktor” have come up with something again. In the 4th episode of the 19th season, a young woman has an accident with her scooter. She has alcohol in her blood, but is adamant that she hasn’t drunk anything. Lively imagination? Or maybe there is something medical behind it?
In fact, ABS is a rare disorder in which patients experience intoxication without having touched a drop of alcohol. Your intestinal bacteria convert carbohydrates into ethanol, i.e. alcohol. This actually happens in small amounts in all people, but in ABS patients in such large amounts that it can even lead to alcohol poisoning.
US researchers from the Massachusetts General Brigham Department of Medicine in Boston and the University of California San Diego have now identified specific intestinal bacteria and microbial metabolic processes that control alcohol production in ABS patients, they report in “Nature Microbiology” magazine. Accordingly, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, among others, play a key role.
During acute ASB attacks, the researchers also found that the concentration of enzymes involved in fermentation processes increases. The researchers hope that their study results will simplify ABS diagnosis and improve treatment. For example, a stool transplant can relieve symptoms, at least for a certain period of time. Another therapeutic approach is switching to a low-carbohydrate diet.
“Many patients experience years of misdiagnosis and social, medical and legal consequences before receiving a diagnosis,” the researchers write. And in fact, the protagonist in the series episode is viewed for a long time as a liar who doesn’t want to admit her alcoholism – until the saving realization comes that it’s ABS.
In this respect, the “mountain doctor” provides valuable information and raises awareness of rare diseases. Now, no one should ever think of trying to use this serious condition as an excuse if he or she is caught drinking and driving.
date: 2026-02-07 08:56:00
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