Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug rehab and is a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.