Regrettably, it's true that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. 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 offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.