Regrettably, the simple truth is that tens of millions of people choose to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not simply puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will typically bring about serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, monetary penalties and even time in jail. Quite often anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying substance abuse problem. A legal court system knows this, and it is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment as an alternative to other extreme penalties for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in drug and alcohol treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not completely eliminate other consequences of the crime, but sometimes decrease the severity of such consequences to some great extent. Specifically if the person willingly participates in alcohol and drug rehabilitation and is also a first-time offender. Studies have shown that a large proportion of people who do receive drug and alcohol treatment because of a DUI/DWI offense stay out of the courts for comparable charges in the future.