Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also prison time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.