Unfortunately, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not only puts one's life in danger and puts passengers in danger too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically result in serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as jail time. Quite often a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences from the crime, but can decrease the degree of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the individual willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol rehabilitation for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges later on.