Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.