Regrettably, it's true that tens of millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing this not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Often times somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other severe penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other consequences of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such consequences to some large degree. Specifically 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 alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.