Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Often times somebody 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 treatment instead of other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.