Unfortunately, it is a fact that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases 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 alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.