Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.