Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely 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 almost always lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also incarceration. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.