Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other extreme penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.