Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, 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, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges in the future.