Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.