Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also prison time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.