Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of those who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.