Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also incarceration. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.