Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. Quite often somebody 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 alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.