Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people decide to drive an automobile while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. Doing so not merely puts one's life in danger and puts passengers at risk too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. Quite often somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eradicate other penalties from the crime, but can decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research indicates that a large percentage of individuals who do receive alcohol and drug treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges later on.