Sadly, 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. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.