Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as jail time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.