Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as prison time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a lot of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.