Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of folks who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.