Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.