Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.