Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as incarceration. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.