Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. In many cases anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.