Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges in the future.