Sadly, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. This not merely puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others in danger also, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties as well as time in jail. Sometimes a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation instead of 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 effects from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the individual willingly takes part in alcohol and 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 court system for comparable charges later on.