Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first time offender. Studies show that lots of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges later on.