Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.