Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, 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 in many cases jail time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges in the future.