Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. 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 serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a lot of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.