Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even jail time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that lots of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges later on.