Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.