Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other serious consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.