Unfortunately, the simple truth is that millions of people make the decision to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers among others at risk too, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will more often than not bring about severe penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and even prison time. Often times anyone who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately struggles with an underlying substance abuse problem. The court system understands this, and it is therefore inclined to provide DUI and DWI Offenders drug treatment instead of other extreme consequences for crime. Agreeing or obliging to participate in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as a DUI/DWI Offender may not completely eliminate other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the degree of such penalties to a great extent. Particularly if the individual willingly participates drug and alcohol treatment and is also a first-time offender. Research has shown that a large proportion of those who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the courts for similar charges down the road.