Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of folks who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.