Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.