r/straightedge

I have a very good friend who used to be very good in school and used to have better grades than me. But ever since he started drinking and going to parties about 2-3 years ago I kinda just didn’t give a shit about school, and it feels like he doesn’t give that big of a shit about life either, his grades dropped to straight Fs for a while, and he has redeemed himself a little bit, he got better grades the last few weeks of school before summer vacation, but they weren’t really good, thinking about it makes me a little nervous kinda, since idk he might never get a steady job and a steady future if he continues like this. He drinks nearly every weekend, and he usually tells me about how he blacks out and don’t remember anything, he’s also smoked weed apparently. I don’t wanna be like this, I’m afraid I’ll also become addicted and shit, and blackout nearly weekend.

But idk if I can call myself straight edge, since I’m still not legally allowed to drink and that just makes me follow the law. I’ve abstained any offer of alcohol I’ve gotten recently, even when they tell me to just get the taste of it. I mean, alcohol is just as much of a drug as any other drug, it might not be as powerful as for example crack, but it’s still a drug.

I don’t mean this in any offense, but I don’t wanna turn out like my friend did

does anyone else dream about drinking or getting high? my dreams tend to stick with me pretty hard as a heavy sleeper. my life was vastly different before claiming edge... the memories still bleed into my dreams. makes me feel wildly alone and weird.

I'm currently taking bartending classes rn and we have an upcoming "spirit tasting" where we taste different kinds of alcohol. I chose not to participate and was given an alternative activity. But if I did join, am I breaking my edge?

Recently started an xvx hardcore band, based in the Midlands in the UK. Looking for a drummer and someone to play bass. Not sure if this is the right place to look. Had some friends fill in for some shows but looking for someone permanent. Thanks ✌️

the place i live in is a complete cultural wasteland.

no hardcore scene to speak of, i know barely any vegans (less and less each year), forget straight edge. most "heavy" music here is garbage t(h)rash or black metal made by right wing nutjobs.

it just feels depressing not having any likeminded people.

no i, i do not want to isolate myself into an echo chamber or surround myself entirely with yes men, but having no one with shared interests is absolutely depressing, even if otherwise, i am doing quite fine.

just wanted to vent, sorry. if you have similar feelings, do share.

I must preface that I, myself, am not straight edge. I use some substances to aid in treatment of insomnia and anxiety that have been prevalent throughout my entire life.

I am NOT asking the question "can I be straight edge if I'm not straight edge", because the answer is stupidly obvious. I'm asking if I'm even allowed to just merely listen to some music from known straight edge bands.

Minor Threat has always been in my music rotation since I was in high school. I 100% respect the straight edge community and understand that drugs are NOT for everyone, and the dangers of drug abuse. I admire the commitment needed to be straight edge, it's just not the life I was exactly given. You guys are troopers raw-dogging life.

However, I always feel this horrible, guilty conscience in the air whenever I listen to anything straight edge related. Sometimes I feel like I'm downright disrespecting the movement listening to their music as a user, so much that I'm starting to avoid listening to Minor Threat often.

As a responsible drug user, with an understanding of straight edge culture, am I allowed to listen to the music? I'm not asking if I'm "straight edge", I'm asking "can I enjoy the art as a user"?

Not SxE by any means. I dont drink, smoke, but do take pharmaceuticals. Either way, when I did have substance issues I still loved SxE hardcore.

If you haven't heard them check out this album. I think its their first album. If youre sensitive their lyrics might hurt your feelings though. 😄

I cant get enough.

Hello I'm a metalhead (my favorite genres are black and death metal) and I live a strict drug free lifestyle. So I don't do drugs and I plan on staying away from them for the rest of my life. I'm hesitant tho about calling myself straight edge because I don't listen to straight edge music. And I'm not planning to do so because I'm not a fan of hardcore/punk music at all, I prefer metal.

Can I still call myself straight edge or do I need to be a fan of the music to do so?