Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also jail time. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation rather than other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.