Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.