Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab instead of other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a lot of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.