Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.