Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges down the road.