Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even jail time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of those who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.