Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that lots of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.