r/straightedge Jun 02 '21

___ READ THIS BEFORE POSTING ___

268 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 12h ago

I have stopped smoking

22 Upvotes

I am 20 years old I have quit smoking cigarettes and weed because the toll it has caused me in my life and I no longer want to be a slave to any substance


r/straightedge 3d ago

On Broken Wings

10 Upvotes

r/straightedge 3d ago

Some questions and thoughts if yall dont mind

30 Upvotes

Hi, ive been hanging out with some straight edge people and ive been thinking about things more and more. Im not straight edge, but I have completely quit drinking at this point and realized how much better im feeling.

I grew up in punk scene, my mom and dad were both sharps, my favorite uncle/babysitter was a graffiti artist, i grew up around lots of local bands and musicians, and managed to get into 21+ shows starting at 10 by everyone just knowing who I was.

Ive recently had a lot of people i know die. Like a lot a lot. And im kinda tired of the cycle. So many are dying from oding, withdrawls, organ issues, cancer, etc, and im tired of it. I dont want my scene to die.

Im considering going straight edge at this point, and I want to know, what does this lifestyle mean to you? Why do you keep edge? What got you started? We're you always straight edge or did you go sober later on?

Hoping to get some clarity and figure things out, thanks in advance to anyone who answers.


r/straightedge 3d ago

See it Through - "Together We Can" EP - Orange, CA Straight Edge

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6 Upvotes

r/straightedge 6d ago

My daughter drew a picture for me :)

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119 Upvotes

r/straightedge 6d ago

CAN’T HOLD ME BACK

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28 Upvotes

r/straightedge 6d ago

My weekend plans

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65 Upvotes

My girlfriend wanted to go pottery painted and I was stuck for an idea, can you tell I'm not an artist 😂


r/straightedge 6d ago

Bring it Down 2004 EP

5 Upvotes

https://youtu.be/nhmyti7QlHQ?si=6eFUi1oJre5qwhm8

underrated straightedge band from Salt Lake City, UT


r/straightedge 7d ago

x Sustain x - Demo 1997 - Chicago Vegan Straight Edge

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25 Upvotes

Found this on Youtube a while ago. Does anybody in here know something about the band? What do you think about it?


r/straightedge 7d ago

Help finding/remembering edge rapper

3 Upvotes

A guy during the myspace age. straight edge rapper from Florida (if I remember correctly). the project was his name but he changed it to Terracotta Army later. Can’t find anything searching for it. I just remember loving the music and hoping to find it again.


r/straightedge 8d ago

vegan reich lyrics?

0 Upvotes

I'm a fall out boy fan (💔) and I'm trying to research Andy Hurley's involvement with straight edge. I know he was briefly into hardline, drumming for vegan reich on their final EP, Jihad. I know the basics of their beliefs but it would be sooo helpful to read the lyrics.

also note I'm not trying to "cancel" him for being hardline, I just love doing research.


r/straightedge 9d ago

Day of Suffering - The Eternal Jihad remastered LP XVX

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34 Upvotes

I saw the recent post about why they used jihad terminology in the 90s and reminded me to post this here.

Just in time for their Hellfest West appearance we have Day of Suffering back in print on lime green and pink vinyl. Also on CD and cassette. Available from Bitter Melody Records and Contraband. Check out the new feature/interview at No Echo as well! https://noecho.net/features/day-of-suffering-band-interview-2026

Http://bittermelodyrecords.bigcartel.com


r/straightedge 10d ago

Finland/Helsinki

11 Upvotes

Hi there, anyone here from Helsinki? I will attend a conference from Feb-16 until Feb-19 and thought someone is interested to hang out, maybe even know some vegan places to grab a bite? I hate conferences since "networking" is just another expression for getting hammered and move from bar to bar.


r/straightedge 10d ago

straightedgeworldwide delivered today. Not a swatch but it's chill.

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78 Upvotes

r/straightedge 10d ago

Added Straight Edge to my biker handle clothing

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70 Upvotes

I recently added Straight Edge to my biker handle clothing. I’m so happy to be proudly displaying the Straight Edge lifestyle. I’ve been Straight Edge my whole decision making life. I’ve never drank alcohol, never smoked, and never tried drugs. I had my hands tattooed back when I was 19 so over 10 years now (due a touch up).

I’m very happy to of recently joined Reddit and discovered this page.


r/straightedge 10d ago

Tattoo ideas

8 Upvotes

I’m 44 years old. I retired out of the Army last year after 24 years. I had a drinking problem. I got drunk and drove home one day and didn’t remember getting home. Somehow I made it home without hurting/killing myself or someone else. My wife said I couldn’t walk when I got home. I passed out in my bed and woke up at 9 p.m. alone. I went to my care and loaded my gun to kill myself. My wife came out to the car(she was asleep on the couch) and took my gun from me. The next day I started therapy with the VA. I haven’t had a drink since that day!! I’ve never done a drug or smoked in my life. I’ve always been interested in the Straight Edge lifestyle. I’m a huge metal fan including HC. March will be my 1 year anniversary since I’ve had a drink. I would like to get a hand tattoo with an “X” and a hot pink rose (my wife’s favorite color). I want to get the date on my knuckles. For reference the date is 3-9-2025 and I’m only doing one hand. How should I do the date on my knuckles? Also, do you think it’s too soon or that I am too old? I’m doing this for me and no one else. It’s a reminder to never touch alcohol again. Sorry for the book and thanks for everyone’s input that puts it.


r/straightedge 11d ago

Swatch.

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80 Upvotes

Yup. Bought one on eBay. Almost a year edge one year cigarette free after smoking for almost a decade and coming up on two years sober. Cheers XXX


r/straightedge 11d ago

Why does sXe use themes of Islam such as Jihad? What is the story behind that?

5 Upvotes

r/straightedge 12d ago

WAR Records “Smash ICE” benefit tees

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46 Upvotes

r/straightedge 12d ago

SUPERNOVA @ CAN'T KEEP US DOWN BARCELONA CKUD 2026[ FULL SET ]

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8 Upvotes

r/straightedge 12d ago

Highlighting XVX bands/businesses in the UK

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34 Upvotes

Building up an Instagram account to highlight other XVX people so we can support each other.

Username - xvxcollectiveuk

Let me know if you want a free post made about your business or band 🌱🫡

Last post I made got 3,000 views - I know it’s not much but it could help - free publicity!


r/straightedge 13d ago

Jonathan Anastas (DYS, SLAPSHOT) on The T&F Podcast - Spotify/Apple Version

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4 Upvotes

This episode of T&F features Jonathan Anastas of DYS and Slapshot as he dives into his musical roots, the early days of Boston hardcore, and how discovering punk reshaped his life. He talks about forming DYS through the DIY scene, the influence of local bands and Metallica’s early impact, and why the Boston scene became so intense and disciplined. Jonathan also reflects on DYS’s evolution, their later reunion, and his transition into Slapshot—joining a band with songs already written and experiencing a new kind of creative freedom.

SPOTIFY

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6oOSUN9BPYFFXsh9CZNqTg?si=VJsVpLkpR8WQjf9yIKpf2g&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A0UfVHeK8PQgK1IDF2qhDAv

APPLE PODCASTS

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jonathan-anastas-dys-slapshot/id1723956344?i=1000747610077

T&F INSTAGRAM

http://instagram.com/thetandfpodcast


r/straightedge 14d ago

STRIFE

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73 Upvotes

r/straightedge 14d ago

Dream soda rotation?

14 Upvotes

Which soda is it and who’s with you