Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. In many cases 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 drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges in the future.