Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as prison time. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of folks who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.