Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as incarceration. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.