Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even time in jail. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment rather than other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that lots of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.