Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a lot of folks who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.