Sadly, it's true that millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges down the road.