Crossword Genius

Being alcoholic, it detracts from alertness (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ale

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This might be a double definition.

'being alcoholic' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'it detracts from alertness' is the second definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ale that I've seen before include "festival" , "Beer consumed in sales" , "Similar to beer" , "Booze" , "English beer, mild or bitter" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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