Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases incarceration. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.