Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.