Regrettably, it's true that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.