Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases incarceration. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.