Some college students might not be properly educated on the effects of drinking too much alcohol, and how it can affect both individuals and those around them.

Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 88,000 deaths in the United States between 2006 and 2010, according to the U.S. government’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

The University of Akron is holding an Alcohol Awareness week from Oct. 19 through Oct. 23 to educate students about their decisions.

According to the CDC website, binge drinking is considered to be more than four drinks on one occasion for women, and five on one occasion for men.

To kick off the week of awareness, students attended Mocktails, which allowed them to try tasty alcohol-free beverages, following the theme of “A Night at the Cinema.”

Today’s event on Oct. 20 will include a drunk-driving simulator from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Student Union Piano Lounge. This same event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, too.

Also on Wednesday, students can play “Are you Smarter than a Drunk Driver?” which will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. in the blue courts of the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. This event allows participants to attempt to do daily tasks while wearing impairment goggles and learn safety tips from UAPD and Student Conduct. Before this event, the UA Counseling and Testing Center will present a “Discussing our Choice” lecture from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. in Simmons Hall 306.

As a part of Alcohol Awareness week, Phi Delta Theta and Alpha Delta Theta are hosting their fourth annual Soberfest, which will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 7 p.m until 10 p.m. at the Phi Delta Theta House, located at 194 Spicer Street.

Tickets are $7 presale and $10 at the door. With the admission price, they are hoping to raise $12,000 for their organizations’ philanthropies: the ALS Association and the Ronald Mcdonald House.

“Awareness of the dangers of alcohol is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone who could be affected by it,” said Mitch Wall, president of Phi Delta. “We as an organization take strides to educate every single member in regards to alcohol safety.”

Wall says the Phi Delta house prides itself on being an international alcohol-free house since 2000.

Soberfest will include live music from Phi Delta and DJ Dan Kosich, as well as classic party games with a nonalcoholic twist. There will also be a dunk tank where participants can choose to wear a pair of “Drunk Goggles,” which simulates the same sort of impaired vision as being drunk.

The drinks were sponsored by businesses that donated to this event, as well as other fraternities, sororities, and alumni.

On Friday, Oct. 23, the Student Union will hold a Root Beer Kegger from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m.

Anchor Splash will be the last event for Alcohol Awareness week. Sponsored by Delta Gamma, the event is on Sat., Oct. 24 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m in the Ocasek Natatorium.

This event allows participants to walk the plank while cheering on other student organizations. During intermissions, attendees will learn about alcohol awareness.

Alcohol Awareness week was sponsored by Campus Programs, the Counseling and Testing Center, ZPN, RHPB, RHC, FSL, serveArkon, Student Conduct, UAPD, Phi Delta Theta, Alpha Delta Pi, Delta Gamma, IFC, and the Student Athlete Advisory Council.

For more information about Alcohol Awareness week, visit bit.ly/1Pvlkc0