Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.