Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also time in jail. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.