Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of those who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges down the road.