Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.