Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other extreme consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a lot of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.