Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.