Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.