Regrettably, it's true that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. 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 while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges in the future.