Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.