Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just 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 more often than not result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also jail time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehab as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for similar charges later on.