Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.