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 this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.