Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases prison time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other effects of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.