Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious 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. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.