Regrettably, 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 merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.