Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as prison time. In many cases a person 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 alcohol and drug rehab rather than other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges later on.