Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies show that a lot of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.