Regrettably, it's true that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties 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 problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other effects from the crime, but sometimes decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug rehab for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.