Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. Doing so not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk also, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even incarceration. Often times someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other severe penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to a large degree. Specifically if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of people who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.