Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.