Sadly, it's true that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times 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 drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.