Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab rather than other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.