Sadly, it's true that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other extreme penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.