Regrettably, it's true that millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.