Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Studies show that a lot of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.