Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as incarceration. In many cases 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 drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of folks who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges in the future.