Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of those who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.