Sadly, it's true that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges in the future.