Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also prison time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.