Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges in the future.