Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a lot of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.