Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.