Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other extreme consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.