Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.