Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also prison time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.