Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases incarceration. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.