Sadly, it's true that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.