Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug rehabilitation because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges in the future.