Regrettably, 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 so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.