Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also jail time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other extreme consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.