Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 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 more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges in the future.