Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (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 incarceration. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehab as an alternative to other extreme consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.