All people with mental illnesses or substance use disorder lack intellectual abilities just like the general population.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

Intelligence is not determined by having a mental illness or a substance use disorder. Experiencing mental health challenges or SUD does not automatically mean a person lacks intellectual abilities. Episodes of illness or effects of substances can temporarily affect thinking, memory, or concentration, but many individuals maintain normal or high levels of cognitive functioning. Some people may have co-occurring cognitive or developmental issues, but that isn’t the case for everyone. So, the statement is not true. In practice, assess each person’s abilities individually rather than assuming based on diagnosis.