Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 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 almost always lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as incarceration. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that lots of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.