Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.