Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.