Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases time in jail. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse challenge. A legal court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other extreme penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehab and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.