Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only 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 cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges in the future.