Sadly, it's true that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also prison time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of folks who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.