Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation rather than other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.