Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.