A depressant is defined as...

A depressant is defined as...

• A. A type of drug that slows down the central nervous system.
• B. A drug that speeds up brain activity.
• C. A drug that allays pain without affecting CNS.
• D. A drug that improves memory.

Answer: (A)

Depressants slow the central nervous system. By reducing brain activity, they calm you, make you sleepy, and slow reflexes and movements. That’s why this option is correct: it describes a drug that slows the CNS. It’s different from stimulants, which speed up brain activity. The idea of a drug that doesn’t affect the CNS or of memory-boosting drugs doesn’t fit the defining feature of depressants, since these substances typically impair memory and concentration rather than improve them.

Depressants slow the central nervous system. By reducing brain activity, they calm you, make you sleepy, and slow reflexes and movements. That’s why this option is correct: it describes a drug that slows the CNS. It’s different from stimulants, which speed up brain activity. The idea of a drug that doesn’t affect the CNS or of memory-boosting drugs doesn’t fit the defining feature of depressants, since these substances typically impair memory and concentration rather than improve them.