Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehab instead of other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Studies show that a lot of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.