Regrettably, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.