Unfortunately, it's true that millions of people actually choose to drive an automobile while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and in many cases jail time. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.