Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other extreme penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.