Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as jail time. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of those who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.