Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. Often times a person 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 drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other effects from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.