Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger at the same time, 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, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab instead of other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.