Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.