Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (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 jail time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.