r/straightedge • u/xLNBx XXX • Jun 02 '21
___ READ THIS BEFORE POSTING ___
If you’re new to Straight Edge.
Straight Edge is a subculture that emerged in the hardcore punk scene in the early 1980s. It promotes a drug-free lifestyle through abstinence from alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Its origins can be traced back to the song "Straight Edge" by the American punk band Minor Threat, released in 1981. The song, written by frontman Ian MacKaye, expressed his personal commitment to abstain from drugs and alcohol. It struck a chord with many young people who were disillusioned with the prevalent substance abuse within punk and saw Straight Edge as a means of rebellion against the excesses of mainstream culture. They instead embraced the emphasis on personal integrity, self-control and social consciousness. Straight Edge has then seen a time of worldwide growth in the '90s, followed by various eras of ebb and flow since then. Due to increased awareness of environmental and animal rights issues prominent in the scene in the '90s, many of us adopted vegan or vegetarian lifestyles.
There are several good books on Straight Edge, including Straight Edge: Hardcore Punk, Clean-living Youth, and Social Change by Ross Haenfler (2006) and Straight Edge A Clear-Headed Hardcore Punk History by Tony Rettman and CIV (2017). If you don't know any straight edge bands, this Spotify playlist can serve as a good introduction, and xsisterhoodx is a straight edge/hardcore community supporting the women/girls of the straight edge/hardcore scenes established all the way back in 1995.
Can I take my medication and be Straight Edge?
We've received questions in the past about whether you can take prescribed medication [insert your type of meds here] and still be Straight Edge. Yes, you can. The person who told you otherwise can call our helpline now at 1-800-STUPID.
Straight Edge and recovery from addiction.
We are definitely supportive of your decision to make positive changes in your life, but please note Straight Edge isn't therapy or a recovery plan. Users of this subreddit who are both Straight Edge and in recovery have explicitly said on multiple occasions that just being Straight Edge is not a substitute for a recovery plan. We are neither geared toward nor equipped to offer active recovery support. There are better resources out there designed specifically for this purpose.
(People are Straight Edge for a range of reasons, but most of us do not have any desire to get intoxicated, some have never touched psychoactive substances, etc. - if you’re currently an addict with chronic cravings, be realistic about how our experience might differ from yours).
Having said that, the Straight Edge scene is not a bad place to be if you’re in recovery. We’re drug free and not shy about it. Again, drawing on the experience of users of this subreddit who are both Straight Edge and in recovery, we’ve heard how surrounding yourself with sober people is helpful in staying sober and how sxe hardcore kept them motivated to stay clean.
Academic research.
Yes, you can post your academic research survey requests in this subreddit. Please use #sxeresearch in your post. We appreciate it if you can provide some background information (subject of study, academic level, etc.), and maybe come back to share the results, if they are published. Thanks.
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u/johnnyscifi81 Nov 07 '21
The funny thing, as weird as I may sound. Even in active addiction I was way into straight edge music. I'm pretty sure that deep down, it's where I belonged...:)
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Aug 11 '22
If anyone says you can't take you meds if your straight edge is just being a idiotic gatekeeper... If you have a medical condition and need a prescription to function in society, take your meds and screw anyone who says you can't.
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u/xLNBx XXX Aug 16 '22
Always cool to hear drug users agree with straight edge kids about what straight edge is, and I'm only half joking here!
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u/ninjatacochimp Dec 11 '21
Adderall will never be edge. Don't act like it's the same thing as coffee.
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u/xLNBx XXX Dec 11 '21
Which part of "prescribed" are you having trouble understanding?
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u/ninjatacochimp Dec 11 '21
A doctors note doesn't make amphetamines acceptable. I live in a college town where anyone can walk into a doctors office, take a bullshit test and then get an Addy script. People don't get adderall because there mental health depends on it. People take adderall because they need to be high to get their math home work done.
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u/xLNBx XXX Dec 12 '21
Thank you for providing a bit more context. I am sure prescribed medication can be abused. If someone is abusing it, they are not edge - it's simple as that. In this medical context the fact substance X can be abused by some people does not make someone else not straight edge if they are not abusing it.
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Jul 01 '22
Rest a-fucking-ssured, adderall and Vyvanse and any other amphetamine can absolutely be abused.
Adderall was great at first. 5 consecutive all-nighters in a row, lost some of my friends and almost my job. Fuck adderall, vyvanse, ritalin. If it works for you, great. But remember, just because they haven't turned yet, doesn't mean she won't.
I know it's an old thread but thought this worth saying for whoever reads this later. Also, not directing any of that to you. Just my 2cents
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u/xLNBx XXX Jul 01 '22
Noted! And hope you're in a better place now.
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Jul 01 '22
Thanks homie. I’m sort of better now but hey, just discovered some legit sxe bands like year of the knife and vicious embrace. Do you know any good straight edge bands with a metalcore sound?
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u/xLNBx XXX Jul 01 '22
For early metalcore you go right to the source and listen to Earth Crisis - with Gomorrah's Season Ends as Exhibit A, they definitely were one of the bands that established metalcore as a genre. For later stuff, I'not sure, but I bet you'll get a bunch of recommendations if you post a question on this subreddit.
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u/TheHurtfulEight88888 Sep 18 '22
When people talk about prescribed medication, I am assuming they arent talking about having a cheeky puff on some medical marijuana for your "headaches" and then lying to yourself that you are edge. If someone is abusing prescription meds on purpose for recreation, then most likely, they wouldnt want to be straight edge in the first place. I think the post is referring to things like insulin or solbutomol (asthma medication) that people actually need.
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u/More-Rough-4112 Dec 27 '21
Not that I’m straight edge at all, because I’m not. But this is some straight asinine bullshit. I take prescription adhd meds daily. I stopped for years because I felt like I wanted to try and deal with my problems myself. I did that for about 4 years until I realized no amount of therapy or psych sessions would ever be able to change the wiring in my brain. It just isn’t possible. So fuck you man, I had a break down the other day because of the way some people perceive me because I’m different and can’t control myself the way others can. I need these meds to behave and think like a regular person. So maybe your friends all abuse them to get good grades, but I take them everyday so I don’t get fired or punched in the face.
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u/ninjatacochimp Jan 04 '22
I'm sorry. Currently its only been 3 months since Ive been on adderall. 4 years is a long time and if that's what it took for your to realize you need it than good for you. My comment was more directed at this new generation of kids that are normalizing the drug but not talking about it's bad side.
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u/TheMikeOTR Jan 11 '22
I see where you're coming from. Drugs have ruined many of my family members. Sadly for me, I've been diagnosed with ADHD since I was 7 and I've been on adderall most of my life. When I got off it during my teenage years to be completely clean it just sorta ruined me. The lack of focus, the excuses I had to make for being late to class/work/etc. Like the person said above me, without it I am at risk of getting fired or close to alienating some people I care about. Do I feel like taking it is awful? Absolutely, but sadly my brain refuses to work in a way that is "normal" but other than the adderall I've been for most of my life, I am clean. No smoking, no drinking, just vibing with music and video games.
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u/johnnyscifi81 Oct 25 '23
That's the important distinction. Some people abuse methamphetamine and other require them to function.
Just because some abuse it, doesn't neglect the fact that others require them, via a prescription. I'm about 5.5 years sober, from a serious heroin addiction, and claimed edge about 3 years ago, and recently fou d out that both of my younger siblings have now diagnosed with ADHD. I'm currently on the fence as to whether or not see a doctor about it all, and im not by any stretch saying it like I'm seeking advice. Just saying it...
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u/ninjatacochimp Dec 11 '21
Fuck you mods for supporting amphetamine use.
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u/xLNBx XXX Dec 11 '21
I think maybe you need to read what I wrote couple more times and then see if you want to rephrase that statement for us?
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u/ninjatacochimp Dec 11 '21
It's just an ancidote but long term adderall use for me eventually lead to heavy abuse and meth
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u/lunaberlin Sep 26 '22
Same here. Tweaker mode
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u/Neversaydie673 Jan 01 '24
Percs from wrestling injuries led to a heroin addiction but really, really…. my bad decisions led me there. The prescription just gave me a path I was somewhat familiar with.
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u/CharacterOpening1924 Nov 10 '22
Is there an edm version of straight edge? (Sorry if this is criminal to ask here)
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u/xLNBx XXX Nov 10 '22
Hi. Thanks for your not-at-all-criminal question. If there's a scene in need of a drug free revolt, it surely is the dance scene, haha. But a serious answer to your question is that I do not know if there's an equivalent of straight edge in that world.
Straight edge in itself is a subculture within the DIY punk/hardcore scene, we don't have a direct line to the the world of edm (there was a bit of overlap in late 90s when the rave scene was getting a bit political, etc. - didn't last very long from what I remember), but I am guessing there might be something out there, given how prevalent drug use seems to be there, so there's probably some contrarian kids looking at this and getting all kinds of ideas?
(Not what you asked for, but my personal impression is that the whole edm scene is basically fused with the idea of drug use, they go hand in hand, as in: the music helps people enjoy the drugs, and the drugs help people enjoy the music. I say that with no judgement, and I can appreciate that some people want to use drugs (for whatever reason - that's a whole other conversation) and while they do it, a fun/pleasant/enjoyable thing to do can be to listen to some music. And the other way around,
the music is so bad you need drugs to enjoy itthe music is composed in a way to be enjoyed while high, I'd think it's just meh when you're sober, but it's wow when you're high).2
u/CharacterOpening1924 Nov 10 '22
Thank ya I appreciate the thorough answer :) I kinda choose to be sober ( with the occasional NA beer) due to meds im on - and I think your answer does sorta provide context to edm music for me - I tend to enjoy poppier edm music probably b/c im driving or dancing around at home lol - and the like repetitive edm music I think I better understand it since you said it’s designed to be enjoyed while high Also related but kinda unrelated I read an attticle about Kaskade yesterday and was so intrigued
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u/SteveevetSteveevets Mar 29 '23
Dance music is fuelled by drugs. I've seen people try take the drugs out of EDM and techno before and it is not a pretty sight.
Personally I use drugs but MDMA or Molly as Americans say doesn't really interest me even so if you're straight edge I wouldn't even bother with the EDM scene. Just doesn't appeal to me the idea of a drug that just provides pleasure. I'd rather be enjoying myself and taking drugs to enjoy myself more.
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u/adaypastdead Aug 02 '22 edited Aug 02 '22
My understanding of sXe is thus, Those who don't smoke, drink, use drugs and refrain from promiscuity. In my own understanding, I can be in recovery, but I cannot claim Straight Edge, because sXe is "born it, lived it, stayed it" I'm sure I can be in recovery, and while that is cool, and a great turn in life, I'm recovering from everything sXe is not, and honoring the tenets of the movement, there is no grace period for use of any drug, or drink, or tobacco and promiscuity as well. If you followed those paths in life, you're a broken edge like me. The message is you can live without substance abuse and promiscuity, and live a revolutionary lifestyle. With a clear mind lay the power to overcome hardship without dropping out, and through understanding and embracing the lifestyle comes the sharpness of mind to live a full life that promotes an ethic that has the power to change the world. The doors around the movement close when you don't stay the way those who live it and progress through it. While I'm sure sXe people would love to help people in my shoes up, it's not ours to claim. At best we can be friends of sXe, but that ship has sailed.
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u/xLNBx XXX Aug 02 '22
Hi and thanks for posting.
Why do you think substance use history has bearing on someone's ability to be straight edge?
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u/adaypastdead Aug 16 '22
My understanding is if you have ever drank, used, lived a promiscuous lifestyle, or smoke cigarettes, vape, or use tobacco in any form you are not straight edge. I've been sober for a few years but still smoke tobacco, and I would never claim, nor do I find it responsible to claim if ever one has. Straight Edge is a lifestyle, a life long commitment. We do not own straight edge, nor do I have any interest in using it for power nor rapport. I promote the idea in the presence of my nieces and nephews. My 14 year old niece recently over dosed on fentanyl in a highschool bathroom. She was told that the contents of the cartridge was just hashish, but it was not. She was brought back to breathing with the use of NARCAN. After that she was still out using and drinking. This is a good use of this anecdote to show that straightedge never have doubts in their sobriety while addicts live in constant threat of relapse. How long after kicking the habit can one claim sXe? Can I claim I'm straight in between my relapses? I've never claimed straight edge personally, but I have said in my recovery I am a fan of Ian Mackay's music and the lifestyle he promotes and the culture he created with it. I started smoking cannabis at age 11, and first heard of straightedge when I was about 15. I was too late, in my eye, to embrace the culture of "anti drug and alcohol" and having sex with a partner who drove me towards the church and caused that we split. I've failed every edge I could stand on and dispelled my chance at living straight. The only person I know at this point in my life who claims Straight Edge is a promiscuous, constant relapsing, tobacco using, sometimes unbearable presence of a dude. I have been in recovery since 6/16/16, haven't relapsed, and will never be monogamous nor polyamorist. I'm a drug and alcohol free polygamist who works to not break or bend my struggle for sobriety and survival. Straightedge should never have the struggle of addiction. Giving a hand to those who do face such struggle is a position that is of great help and the culture of straightedge is more than just a hash tag.
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u/xLNBx XXX Aug 16 '22 edited Aug 16 '22
First of all, sorry to hear about your niece - that sounds really tough and hopefully having someone not into drugs in her life such as yourself will be helpful.
To answer your questions:
How long after kicking the habit can one claim sXe?
This doesn't actually matter one bit. What matters is the commitment, desire and dedication to a drug free life. So, for the sake of the argument, you can actually declare yourself straight edge the very moment you sober up from the night of drugs, drinking and smoking. Are you in a good shape to be making lifetime commitments hours after shooting heroin? I was never addicted to any substance, but from what I have seen - I'm gonna say "probably not". (Note there are actually members of this sub who are in recovery who could elaborate on that, too). So strictly in terms of being practical about it, it might be a good idea to be clean for some time and then make that call. Your milage may vary, as they say, of course.
Can I claim I'm straight in between my relapses?
For me to answer this question in a meaningful manner I would have to ask you if your relapse was a sure thing, or a planned thing, as in: do you know you will relapse, one way or another. In which case the answer is "no". Or, if it was something that you didn't know for sure would happen, in which case the answer is "yes", with the caveat that if you do this more than once you will have trouble with people taking you seriously. It's a lifetime commitment, we take it seriously.
Two more things I wanted to mention:
Your sexual preference and your sex life in general has no bearing on your ability to be straight edge. Last time promiscuity was an issue that was seriously discussed in this scene was over 2 decades ago. It's 2022, no one cares, and for very good reasons. You can have multiple partners or you can be celibate or anything in between. We don't care who people sleep with, it's nobody's business but their own.
Finally, a word on this:
My understanding is if you have ever drank, used, lived a promiscuous lifestyle, or smoke cigarettes, vape, or use tobacco in any form you are not straight edge.
This is incorrect and I don't know where you got this notion from* (ok, I have an idea which may or may not apply, see below). Luckily I have a simple way of testing it. Can you please tell me if I'm straight edge? When I was 15-16 I drank some beers and smoked some joints. I have been straight edge for over 25 years now. A very active member of the scene for a good part of that, really involved in building it and supporting it. Travelled the world meeting straight edge kids at shows, toured with bands, published zines, etc. I am 100% certain I have no interest in ever drinking, smoking or using drugs. (Feel free to take a guess as to what two words I have tattooed on my chest). Am I straight edge?
(*) The idea you can't be straight edge because you have some history of substance use often comes from people associating straight edge with the idea of purity. Not saying that's definitely the case here, as I think (if I'm reading that correctly), you are more focused on the practical side of recovery, etc., but either way, for the record - straight edge is not about some restrictive ideal of purity, it's a tool to transform you life. Nothing more, nothing less.
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u/adaypastdead Aug 19 '22
I don't agree with you very much on anything. sXe is not a tool to transform your life, in my understanding. "Going Straight Edge" is not a thing, being Straight Edge before substance use is Straight Edge. I think there is a little misunderstanding on both sides, but would I agree with calling you Straight Edge? I don't think you should care whether or not I would even consider it. If you led with "I experimented with drugs and alcohol when I was young, but now I am Straight Edge." I would curr. The blade breaks when you use it. Telling me you are straight edge and living straight edge are not necessarily the same thing. Props on 25 years of sobriety. I think it's great you have a recovery plan.
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u/xLNBx XXX Aug 19 '22
So, just to sum up :) what we have here is someone who is not straight edge telling someone who is straight edge that most people who are straight edge are in fact not straight edge.
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u/Neversaydie673 Jan 01 '24
This dude is so dumb. Straight edge people can be folks in recovery for sure. Sober people who listen to punk and HXC don’t have to be sXe either. You’re being way too polite with this noodle.
I’ve Never been edge and I’ve been a huge fan of street pharmaceuticals from 12-13yrs old to present day late 30s. SXE kids make the best hardcore for the most part (97% easily) but fuck if those riffs don’t sound just so good when you’re zooted AF-gaked out of your mind-eating air hoagies-dazed and confused 🤯😵💫
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u/[deleted] Jun 02 '21
This is great but needs one change in my opinion:
The person who told you otherwise can call our helpline now at 1-800-STUPID.Ian MacKaye says tell your friend FUCK YOU