Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.