Sadly, it's true that tens of millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers and others at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically lead to serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. Sometimes someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. A legal court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other extreme penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eradicate other consequences from the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such penalties to some great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and is a first time offender. Research indicates that a large proportion of people who do receive drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.