Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply 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 usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also jail time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is a first time offender. Studies show that lots of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.