Regrettably, it is a fact that millions of people make the decision to drive an automobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This not just puts one's life at risk and puts passengers in danger at the same time, but being caught driving while impaired (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) will usually cause serious penalties including driver's license suspension or cancellation, fines and in many cases incarceration. In many cases a person who has been found guilty of DUI or DWI ultimately has an underlying drug abuse problem. The court system knows this, and is therefore inclined to offer DUI and DWI Offenders alcohol and drug treatment rather than other severe consequences for his or her crime. Agreeing or obliging to take part in drug treatment as a DUI/DWI Offender might not exactly completely get rid of other penalties from the crime, but could decrease the severity of such penalties to some large degree. Particularly if the person willingly participates in drug treatment and is a first time offender. Research has shown that a lot of folks who do receive drug and alcohol treatment for a DUI/DWI offense avoid the court system for comparable charges down the road.