Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases incarceration. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.