Regrettably, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as jail time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that lots of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.