Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.