Sadly, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger as well, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even incarceration. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other serious consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other effects from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that a large percentage of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.