Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, 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 in many cases jail time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehab instead of other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.