Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges in the future.