Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases jail time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment rather than other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.