Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk too, 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 and even time in jail. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.