DUI/DWI offenders in Big Stone Gap are occasionally given the opportunity to take advantage of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in lieu of punishment for their drug or alcohol related criminal offenses. Penalties for these kinds of offenses can ordinarily be very serious, and may include incarceration and substantial fines and even absorbitant costs associated with being in the court system for and/or found guilty of DUI/DWI. Many times, particularly for first time offenders, the court may decide that addressing the concerns of drug or alcohol addiction in treatment is will prove more effective in the long term for full handling the issue. For DUI/DWI offenders in Big Stone Gap that are lucky enough to be allowed to participate in such treatment in lieu of other more severe penalties, a great number will remain away from the criminal justice system permanently.