Unfortunately, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases prison time. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other extreme consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates 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 in the future.