Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Quite often someone 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 offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.