Sadly, it's true that millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger as well, 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 incarceration. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other extreme consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a lot of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.