Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, 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 even incarceration. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.