Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as incarceration. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other serious penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion 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.