Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.