Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies show that lots of those who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.