Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as incarceration. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.