Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a lot of those who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.