Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases incarceration. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges down the road.