Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.