Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation instead of other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.