Unfortunately, it's true that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers and others at risk as well, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and also time in jail. In many cases somebody who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse challenge. The court system understands this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment rather than other severe penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such consequences to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the court system for similar charges down the road.