Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a lot of folks who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.