Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.