Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a lot of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.