Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Sometimes anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment instead of other extreme penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges in the future.