Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk as well, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even time in jail. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse issue. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other severe consequences for their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but sometimes decrease the degree of such penalties to a large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates alcohol and drug treatment and is a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of folks who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for comparable charges down the road.