Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually 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 and others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. Quite often a person 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 provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but can decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.