Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other serious penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.