Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. Quite often 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 provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.