Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not merely 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 more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even time in jail. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of individuals who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.