Regrettably, 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 merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even jail time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.