Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.