Unit Level and Hero Level...

Are they used as the same thing when used with GetUnitLevel()? There's a particular spell that ges insanely strong, because it gains damaged based on the hero's attributes, but it seems to count the hero's level as well when the hero's unit level is one. I was thinking of giving normal hostiles the same spells heroes would be able to do with a set amount of damage based on the caster's level.

I'm asking, because if this is true, that means that I have to create completely seperate abilities from the heroes and the units, so the heroes don't get the massive bonuses the units do. Then again, an alternative I could use is just make a set number of abilities and give them to units I see fit.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: It seems likely that it is true, but I just want to know if it is confirmed.