Regrettably, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not only puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk at the same time, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically cause severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as incarceration. Quite often someone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying drug abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol treatment rather than other serious penalties because of their crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects of the crime, but tends to decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of individuals who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.