Regrettably, it's true that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also jail time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.