Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of individuals who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for comparable charges in the future.