Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as jail time. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.