Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.