Regrettably, it's true that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.