Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.