Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.