Sadly, it's true that millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.