Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment rather than other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.