Unfortunately, it is a fact that tens of millions of people choose to drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This not simply puts one's life in danger and puts passengers among others in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will almost always cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines as well as jail time. Often times 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 provide DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment instead of other serious penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely eliminate other effects from the crime, but tends to decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the person willingly participates 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 stay out of the courts for comparable charges down the road.