ARLINGTON, Mass. -- In recent months, we've been hearing more about the health benefits of alcohol.

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And while there may be some truth to the information, experts are concerned that some people are using these messages as an excuse to drink more than is good for them.

There's concern that for some people, alcohol use may be turning into abuse. Some studies suggest that one-third of Americans are risky drinkers.

Milk and soda are the beverages of choice at a senior center luncheon in Arlington. But some enjoy a more potent drink now and then.

"I like a glass of wine once in a while, not all wine -- a certain wine that hits the spot," one woman said.

An occasional drink is rarely harmful, but there is growing concern that the stress of today's society, along with a perception that alcohol may be good for you in some amounts, may be causing some to drink too much or too frequently.

Risky drinkers are defined as men who drink four drinks on any one day or more than 14 drinks a week. For women, it's three drinks a day or more than seven drinks per week.

Some experts said that because seniors are often isolated, alcohol problems can be hard to detect.

"People aren't going out to bars; they're not necessarily doing it at a cocktail party with friends. It's happening at home, in the privacy of the home," Arlington Council On Aging spokeswoman Laurie August said.

The illnesses some older people face can make drinking more dangerous.

"For people with certain health problems -- heart disease, diabetes -- alcohol makes the disease worse," Dr. Doug Jacobs said.

It can also interact harmfully with more than 150 medications, including herbal remedies.

Here's a simple test that can help you figure out if alcohol may be a problem:

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking?
• Have people ever annoyed you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should seek help.

If you want to learn more about alcohol and your health, you can do so Thursday during National Alcohol Screening Day. Locations across the nation will be offering free and confidential screenings to help you determine if you or a loved one has a problem with alcohol, and to provide you with resources on where to turn.

Find A Screening Center Near You