Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other severe consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges in the future.