Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of individuals who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.