Imagine Getting Drunk From Food — Inside the Nightmare of Auto Brewery Syndrome

Mark Mongiardo shares the shocking truth behind years of being misunderstood, judged, and even criminally charged — all caused by a rare condition called Auto-Brewery Syndrome (ABS). Without drinking a drop of alcohol, his body would suddenly produce dangerously high blood-alcohol levels, leaving him intoxicated, confused, and fighting for his freedom and reputation. Mark opens up about losing his teaching career, facing felony prison time, and being labeled an alcoholic by coworkers and even family — all while knowing deep down that something wasn’t right. His emotional diagnosis came only after two DWIs, a glucose challenge test, and relentless research by his mother and aunt. Once he finally had the truth, he began the long, painful journey of rebuilding his life from scratch. Through strict diet changes, nonstop monitoring, and unbelievable family support, Mark has become a voice for others silently suffering from ABS. His vulnerability, advocacy, and message of E + R = O — Event + Response = Outcomemake this episode one of the most gripping stories we've ever shared. 00:00 – What Is Auto Brewery Syndrome? 00:36 – Mark’s Symptoms and Early Confusion 02:00 – Blood Alcohol Spikes Without Drinking 03:20 – Two DWIs While Sober 05:50 – The Turning Point: Something Was Wrong 07:25 – Arrested Sober… Again 09:00 – Living With Constant Accusations 10:15 – The Search for Answers Begins 12:00 – The Glucose Challenge Test 13:35 – The Emotional Diagnosis 15:10 – Family Misunderstandings and Strain 17:00 – Years of Being Labeled an Alcoholic 19:00 – Learning to Manage Daily Flares 21:00 – Fears About His Children and Genetics 24:00 – Rebuilding His Life From Nothing 27:00 – Losing His Career and Home 29:00 – Starting Over With E+R=O 30:20 – The Strict Zero-Carb, Zero-Sugar Lifestyle 32:00 – Support Groups and Advocacy Work 34:00 – Finding Community and Spreading Awareness ----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery