Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first time offender. Studies show that lots of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.