Unfortunately, it is a fact that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even jail time. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that lots of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.