Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.