Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of those who do receive drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.