Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as incarceration. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.