Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.