Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also incarceration. In many cases 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 is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab instead of other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.