Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.