Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as prison time. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other serious penalties for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug rehab and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges later on.