Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even jail time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.