Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.