Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also incarceration. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.