Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even jail time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug and alcohol rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.