Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.