Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this 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, fines and also prison time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.