Regrettably, it is a fact that tens of millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing this not just puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger too, but being caught driving drunk (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always result in severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse issue. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders drug and alcohol rehabilitation as an alternative to other serious penalties for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the seriousness of such penalties to a great extent. Specifically if the person willingly takes part in alcohol and drug treatment and is also a first time offender. Studies have shown that lots of those who do receive alcohol and drug treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for similar charges down the road.