Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as jail time. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.