Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as jail time. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.