The condition that causes sober people to get drunk
Auto-brewery syndrome can affect people’s lives and reputations.
From The Times
April 12, 2026

Mark Mongiardo rarely drank alcohol, but he experienced episodes of unexplained intoxication for decades. It wreaked havoc on his career, his marriage and his reputation.

Mark Mongiardo sits on a gray couch wearing a white V-neck T-shirt and blue jeans.

Octavio Jones for The New York Times

Finally, a doctor offered him an explanation, and a sense of relief.

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