Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually lead to severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.