Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.