Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other severe penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges in the future.