Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of people who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.