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 just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.