Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically 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 rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.