Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.