Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk too, 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 as well as prison time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.