Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also incarceration. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of folks who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.