Regrettably, it's true that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. In many cases someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation rather than other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a lot of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.