Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.