Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.