Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other serious penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.