Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, 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, fines and even prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehab rather than other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that lots of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.