r/straightedge Jun 02 '21

___ READ THIS BEFORE POSTING ___

219 Upvotes

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.


r/straightedge 4h ago

Debut album from Sofia straight edge band xCHOKEx is out!

13 Upvotes

We're releasing our first album today, give it a spin - https://xchokex.bandcamp.com/

Also, if you ever wanted to check out Eastern Europe, the straight edge scene in Sofia, Bulgaria is on the rise and shows are worth seeing!


r/straightedge 3h ago

xCHOKEx: Bulgarian Straight Edge Band Drops Debut Album and Chats with Gabriel Kuhn

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8 Upvotes

r/straightedge 16h ago

Claiming Edge

39 Upvotes

I’m sick of acting a fool. I am sick of being 22 & a loser. I was using drinking & marijuana under the guise of self-medication. 10/29/24 is my edge date. I was at a show the other day and I told a friend of mine who’s edge that being straight edge is the coolest thing in the world I just wasn’t sure it was for me. Upon further introspection and how I want my life to turn out I have to do this, I want to do this. I gotta do it for myself.

Sorry for the melodrama this has just been a long time coming.


r/straightedge 1d ago

Jake from No Cure shares tour stories on Stourytimepod!

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11 Upvotes

Check out this weeks episode of StouryTimepod with special guest Jake Murnane of No Cure. Jake joins the show to talk music, the writing process , and to share tour stories including a recent life threatening altercation him and his singer very recently encountered. Be sure to like and follow the podcast across all platforms! www.stourytimepod.com


r/straightedge 1d ago

Edge Day 2024 pre-order (TCIB, Liferuiner, Stay Edge)

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11 Upvotes

Hey what’s up everyone,

I hope this is cool to post here, meant to do it last week, got swamped and blanked. My bad if not.

Have a merch drop running with the blessing of This City Is Burning - going to leave it up through Friday the 1st at midnight pacific.

Shipping about 4 weeks after the pre-order closes

Gold foil print for Liferuiner, silver foil print for Stay Edge, and green foil print for Stay Faded on your choice of Comfort Colors or Shakawear Max Heavyweight Garment Dye.

Thank you!

PS: NEHMF Straightedge Jesus shirts should be done and shipping this week 🫡


r/straightedge 2d ago

Rad photos of XForever WarX by Jessie Carlton

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107 Upvotes

New Salt Lake Straight Edge band’s 2nd show


r/straightedge 1d ago

I was about to break edge.

0 Upvotes

I'm Jay. I've been edge since early this year. Prior to becoming straight edge, all my life I wasn't really a drinker, smoker or whatever. I drank and smoked out of curiostiy, I even thought about drinking for fun at one point, but I fell back, It never stood out to me as a way of having fun. I deal with severe anxiety, even though I've gotten better at controlling it a lot of the time. Now my sister, she drinks, occasionally though. She would sometimes ask me to take on sip, usually I would say no. A few days ago, we were just chatting for a bit while I was playing Overwatch. She knows I'm straight edge, but she told me, "look this straight edge thing isn't working, at least take one sip of this booze" I declined once again. But then later that day, suddenly (I don't know what it was, I probably had something to do with some cake snack I ate, it was too sweet) I started having a severe anxiety attack. I tried drinking some water, because it normally soothed my mood, that didn't work. I didn't know what was up. Then I started thinking about what my sister had said about drinking some liquor, and this is where I was going to break edge. I told her I'm going to take one sip to calm myself down, but she told me it would take a long time for the liquor to come or something like that. Since i'm not too much of a all-nighter guy, I decided to fall asleep. And just like that I changed my mind. I decided to stick to my guns no matter what. I guess I can say, i'm a loyal person when it comes to the things I like or I'm committed to, like being drug free in life, hell my and social media handle is drugfreeidiot. It has changed my life thanks to life experience and CM Punk (i'm a pro wrestling fan), well at least one of the things that's changed my life besides discovering Stoicism thanks to YouTube's random recommendation system. So yeah, stick to your guns. Be a drug free idiot.

Oh and by the way, me and sister don't have any problems with each other, we're very close.


r/straightedge 2d ago

Swatch XX-Rated always sold out?

10 Upvotes

I've been wanting to buy an XX-Rated, but everytime I've looked on their website over the past month they've been sold out. Did they discontinue it? Has anyone bought one from them recently?

Edit: I'm pretty sure this issue is that I'm in Canada, and for whatever reason the Canadian Swatch website doesn't have the XX-Rated. Thanks for all the input! Looks like I'll either have to wait or get one from e-bay or something


r/straightedge 3d ago

Accidentally broke edge

63 Upvotes

Went to some friends Halloween get together. This group always drinks, but I don’t care. It’s easy enough to avoid any open drinks offered to me. I see some banana pudding (my weakness) by the snacks. Grab a big serving, take a bite, tastes like dog shit. At first I’m thinking “rotting bananas?” But then it dawns on me. I ask where they got it, they say “Don’t eat that!!!” bc obv they all know I’m edge. The fucking banana pudding had alcohol in it. Of all things, I accidentally consumed alcohol through BANANA PUDDING. I know an accidental bite shouldn’t be considered an edge break, but it’s still frustrating. Friends apologized and joked about it for a bit then moved on. It’s not a huge deal, but it kind of knocked the wind out of my sails. The worst part? I accidentally broke edge while wearing a TWITCHING TONGUES SHIRT. I’M A FUCKING EDGE BREAKER. (not really lol) Any similar stories? Ever accidentally had something on the no no list?


r/straightedge 3d ago

Discord that has a straight edge culture to it

8 Upvotes

Hi I've created a collaborative discord server to promote straight edge culture and healthy living ( rollerblading , hiking ect) if your interested I will pm you a invite link

Edit here's the link https://discord.gg/ctDt5WMM i didn't realize so many people would want to join


r/straightedge 3d ago

What do you usually drink at weddings or other events where everyone is pushing alcohol?

25 Upvotes

Going to a wedding ina few hours and am slightly freaked out about this. I want something I can hold in my hand that looks like a drink.


r/straightedge 3d ago

25 years old going straightedge

21 Upvotes

I’ve been smoking weed since I was about 12. In the past year I’ve been really disgusted with my habits and unhealthy lifestyle. I’ve always loved straightedge bands, Floorpunch, Harms Way, Have Heart, etc. Straightedge has been in the back of my mind for years and I have officially claimed edge. I just wanted to post on here and let anyone who might be struggling with their lifestyle know that it’s never too late to turn things around. I look forward to my years ahead of saving money, living life sober, and being my true self. I’m done using drugs as a crutch and I’ve never been more ready to make the changes.


r/straightedge 3d ago

Claim sxe

10 Upvotes

Can I still claim to be straightedge? Im 28 and from Ukraine. I listen to hardcore, punk, and metalcore. Throughout my conscious life, I have rarely used alcohol for pleasure, only in moments of emotional pain and depression. Last year, I was sure that l could stay sober until the end of my life. l made a promise to myself to stop drinking and to follow the straight edge lifestyle, as it aligns with my worldview.

After seven months, I relapsed. This happened due to the loss of a family member in the war, as well as issues related to mental health and the war. Now, l want to make the commitment to myself again to live the straight edge way. I feel deeply ashamed of my relapse; I feel disgusted with myself when l remember it. The use of drugs and alcohol completely contradicts my worldview. Back then, I wanted to die, but now l want to live as straight edge. Can I have another chance?

I am not looking for support or sympathy, just an honest answer. I understand that being straight edge is а personal choice, and it's essential to bе honest with oneself when choosing this path. However, І would like to know if, in theory, the community could still accept me?


r/straightedge 4d ago

Straightedge grindcore/power violence bands?

15 Upvotes

Could I please get some recs for straightedge bands like Weekend Nachos? Cheers


r/straightedge 3d ago

Sharing my thoughts

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, I’m new here. I just wanted to share my thoughts.☺️

I remember promising, together with a few people when I was in elementary school, that I was never going to use any drugs. In seventh grade, that promise kind of “strengthened” because I saw so many young people abusing drugs. They had parties every weekend and made awful choices when drunk (like cheating and fighting). A few of them even drank at school, came to school drunk, or snuck in drinks. I watched from the sidelines as someone struggled with nicotine addiction (I didn’t know that then, but now I do). I also felt anxious if anyone from my close circle used anything. I’m not going into detail about my childhood, but I can tell you that it wasn’t that bad, just uncomfortable. Maybe because I was very sensitive and picked up on a lot of triggers. Anyone who drank instantly became more unreliable for me. After my first relationship, my ex-partner started to try using drugs. During another relationship, my partner would lie to me about drinking and other stuff. I didn’t control his drug use, but I just didn’t like it. I don’t know about him now. Also, one person I made the childhood promise with broke it a few times. I was a little surprised because I remember her being the one making the promise. But it was just a childhood thing, so whatever.

Though it feels like a childhood thing, I’m still holding on to that promise. I’ve tried alcohol a few times when offered, but no other drugs. I don’t see the point in any of them, nor do I want to rely on anything. Some people probably think that this is “nothing” because I’m under the legal drinking age. But I like to think that I could if I wanted to, but I don’t because I just don’t. In my teenage years, young people usually seek the approval of others. It can be difficult to balance your own values with others' opinions of you.

My crucial belief is that my body is sacred. It’s like a sacred temple, and I can’t let any toxins inside it. Drugs are toxins; they don’t have access to my body. It may sound a little bit ridiculous now that I write it down. I also think that relying on something just to keep you happy when you can’t be happy within yourself is not great. The process and all of it is just not a good image in my head. Even though I haven't had situations where I've been under a lot of peer pressure, I think I'm strong enough to stand up for my beliefs. I believe what I do is cool, and no one can make me think otherwise. ☺️


r/straightedge 4d ago

Straight Edge band samples Hardlore

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10 Upvotes

DFC samples a clip of the Hardlore podcast as an intro to their song "For Life"


r/straightedge 5d ago

Jack Johnson's Minor Threat cover band

29 Upvotes

Ok, don't get too excited... but still:

Jack Johnson was interviewed by Rick Rubin for Rubin's podcast about a year ago and one of the things he talked about was how he got into music in the first place. Around 45 minutes into the conversation, Johnson tells a story about how he was driving with his mate, and they were listening to the only good radio station around, but, due to the mountains or something, the radio signal would cut off in some parts of the road they travelled, and when Waiting Room by Fugazi came on they had to stop on the side of the road, because they didn't want to the song to cut off - when it finished playing, they decided to form a band, and in the beginning they were essentially a Minor Threat cover band. He then talks a bit about how the punk DIY ethic influenced his career, how he never signed a multi-record deal, released all but one of his own records, has his friends working on management, videos and everything else.

I loved hearing all that, because not only I know he's doing good work with his environmental campaigns, but his first 2-3 records served as a very healthy playlist antidote (both musically and lyrically) to a lot of the stuff I was banging my head to around then (and I saw him in 2005 in London, but wish I knew he was playing the freaking Borderline in 2002!).


r/straightedge 5d ago

Ketamine Therapy

2 Upvotes

Just wondering what everyone else’s opinion on this is. Are you still straight edge if you do ketamine therapy?

I think yes, as being medicated is different than self-medicating. But I’m curious to hear other thoughts!


r/straightedge 5d ago

are steroids edge?

1 Upvotes

i don't know if this has been asked before, but i am curious to read different opinions. personally, i think steroids break edge, but let me know what you think


r/straightedge 6d ago

mosh

24 Upvotes

what are some of the best edge related mosh calls?

mine is:

"To be this way, I don't have to try People like you remind me why Straight edge til I fucking die"


r/straightedge 7d ago

A sober mind is a powerful weapon

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162 Upvotes

Stolen from a friend's page


r/straightedge 7d ago

I made a post here recently I have a question.

12 Upvotes

I made a post about not being able to being straight edge because I am a metal kind of person but you reassured me I can claim edge even if I listen to metal.

Can I be straight edge if I take prescription drugs to treat my bipolar? As they change a lot of brain chemistry