Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.