Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Quite often anyone 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 offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of people who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.