Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other extreme 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 could decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that lots of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.