Sadly, the simple truth is that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehab instead of other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol rehab and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a lot of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges down the road.