Sadly, it's true that millions of people decide to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as incarceration. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.