Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug rehabilitation rather than other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.