Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk as well, 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 time in jail. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.