Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also jail time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.