Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges in the future.