Which of the following is NOT a criterion for involuntary admission?

• A. History of substance abuse only
• B. Presence of mental illness
• C. Poses danger to self or others
• D. Severe disability or inability to meet basic needs

Answer: (A)

Involuntary admission is triggered by risk or impairment related to a mental illness, not simply by a history of substance use. Substance abuse by itself does not meet the legal criteria for involuntary hospitalization. What does qualify is having a mental illness with either danger to self or others or grave disability (being unable to meet basic needs due to the illness). So, while presence of mental illness, danger to self or others, and severe disability to meet basic needs are valid criteria, a history of substance abuse alone does not justify involuntary admission. If substance use coexists with dangerous behavior or severe incapacity due to a psychiatric condition, that combination can meet criteria, but the substance use alone does not.