Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.