Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.