Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that lots of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.