Why is alcohol a “depressant”, but makes you feel less depressed while drinking it?

Question

Why is alcohol a “depressant”, but makes you feel less depressed while drinking it?

In: 105

Answer 1

“Depressant” in this use doesn’t mean “makes you sad”.

It means “makes you slow”.

It slows your body and mental functions.

Depress: definition 2. “reduce the level or strength of activity in (something, especially an economic or biological system).”