Sadly, it's true that millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation rather than other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.