Sadly, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and also time in jail. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. 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 serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug rehabilitation and is a first-time offender. Studies show that a large percentage of people who do receive alcohol and drug rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.