Auto-Brewery Syndrome Information and Research

The mission of the Auto-Brewery Syndrome Information and Research non-profit is to 1) disseminate information about Auto-Brewery Syndrome, 2) assist patients in receiving screening and medical care, and 3) provide grants to qualified researchers who wish to study Auto-Brewery Syndrome.

The ABS organization started in 2014 to help people who have or are helping someone who has Auto-Brewery Syndrome, a rare disease where yeast or bacteria ferment sugars into alcohol. The microbes typically infect the gut but can also infect the mouth or urinary bladder. The infection causes people to become intoxicated without ingesting alcohol

Our patients are not only damaged by a debilitating disease but also suffer from medical discrimination by providers who do not believe ABS exists and call them liars and fakers. In 2018, we formed a 501(c)3 organization to provide information and fund research into the causes of this rare disease. As a small group of unpaid volunteers, we have assembled a large network of providers, authors, former patients, and researchers who can help people with ABS. Therefore, 100% of all donations go directly to our mission.

As the President, I have authored several articles on ABS as well as published a book, "My Gut Makes Alcohol! The Science and Stories of Auto-Brewery Syndrome" and all proceeds from the book go to the non-profit. Our officers operate a public Facebook page and a website to provide information to anyone interested in ABS. We also run a private Facebook support group for those caring for people with ABS who struggle to find providers and answers related to treatment (currently over 500 members). We have appeared on 20/20, BBC's World Weirdest Events, BBC World News, The Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Phil, and other news programs. We provide free books to physicians, researchers, and those involved in the judicial system.

Our most urgent need is to find the microbial causes of ABS and thus strategize methods for treatment and possible cures. We currently have a research study in progress with a major University in California that will involve up to 50 of our patients diagnosed with ABS. We desperately need funding to pay for the increased laboratory supplies and personnel needed to complete the research. This type of research is the hope our patients cling to inorder to face each day of this terrible disease.