Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that lots of those who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges down the road.