Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Sometimes 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 offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab rather than other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.