Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as jail time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges in the future.