Regrettably, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. Sometimes somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies show that a large proportion of those who do receive alcohol and drug rehab because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.