Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.