Sadly, it's true that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.