Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.