Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that lots of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.