Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even jail time. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges in the future.