Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of folks who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges in the future.