Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug rehab and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges in the future.