Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of folks who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.