Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. 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 serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that lots of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.