Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug 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 extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.