Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as prison time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.