Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.