Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges in the future.