Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.