Tulane Students for Sensible Drug Policy and Tulane University Campus Programming screened “Play Safe: A Film About Harm Reduction in Drug Use” and held a question-and-answer session with filmmaker Eddie Einbinder Monday in Hebert Hall.

The film documents real recreational drug users as they take necessary precautions and experience the effects of different substances in order to educate viewers about drug safety.

Einbinder, founder of Responsible Education About Drugs and author of “How to Have Fun and Not Die,” works to provide accurate, honest information about drug use. “Play Safe” draws from Einbinder’s book, which also examines “safe” recreational drug use. Einbinder said the film, which was developed in 2012, is visual tool that can reach a wider audience.

“Something on the internet is much more accessible,” Einbinder said. “The bottom line is it reaches more people. This kind of education should be accessible to everyone.” 

The users portrayed in the film demonstrate the effects of common drugs including cocaine, heroin, LSD, Oxycontin, Adderall and alcohol. They describe what it feels like to be under the influence as Einbinder interjects with commentary regarding safety precautions and the harms associated with the substances.

SSDP Vice President Erik Iverson said the film does not condone drug use, but rather acts as a tool to replace misinformation and explore how individuals can be as careful as possible while using.

“Many people experiment with drugs in college,” Iverson said. “The film is an educational look at different drugs and users. It teaches the audience how to avoid dangerous situations and to play safe. We hope this film will fill a gap in education, as many people are either taught incorrect information about drugs through [Drug Abuse Resistance Education]-type programs, or are never taught anything about drug use.” 

Sophomore Sarah Haensly, who attended the screening, agreed the film offered an alternative perspective.

“I thought it was interesting to see a different kind of drug education, rather than the traditional abstinence-only method,” Haensly said.

Junior Abigail Mowen also attended the screening. She said the film was graphic. 

“I felt like it was unbelievable how this guy was teaching people how to use heroine and other hard drugs so that they could do them and not die and have fun,” Mowen said. “It was so twisted and parents would have been horrified if they knew that was being [shown].”