Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also time in jail. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.