Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of those who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.