Regrettably, it's true that millions of people actually choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases time in jail. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that lots of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges later on.