Unfortunately, it is a fact that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also jail time. Often times a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other extreme consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehab and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.