Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.