Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.