Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even time in jail. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.