Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.