Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.