Regrettably, it's true that millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of folks who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.