Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also time in jail. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab instead of other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.