Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other severe consequences for 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 of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.