Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges in the future.