Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a lot of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.