Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.