Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.