Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. Quite often 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 it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.