Sadly, it's true that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.