Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases incarceration. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a lot of people who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.