How long have you been straightedge?

[mmelnick]

Simple question, simple answers! I smoked pot for about 25+ years and drank on and off over the years. I smoked my last joint November 14, 2006 and had my last rolled cigarette December 31, 2006. I drank my last alcoholic beverage I think December 20, 2006 after a horrible drunken disaster. I'm coming up on 1 year clean and I feel good. I'm still a n00b at this edge business but i'm enjoying the change of pace and feel secure about it. It's still a day to day thing for me but I really want to keep it going, hopefully the rest of my life. How about you?

[James]

life but im only 17

[mj]

Generally I wouldn't say you've been edge for "life"
Because you claim edge, it's a decision. That's like saying that every poison-free/slut-free person out there is straight edge. They aren't.

At least, that's my two cents.

[James]

ya wanna define it?, i mean isn't that the criteria of straight edge? wat else is there?

[mj]

Straight edge is a responsibility. It's a decision you make. Like someone else said in this discussion, when you're 5 you know nothing about politics/music/whatever else and definitely aren't old enough to make a decision that will shape the rest of your life. You can be clean and not edge. You -claim- edge, like I said, it's a decision. And I can assure you that you did not make that decision as soon as you came out of the womb.

[josh!]

also dude.... straight edge has a shit ton to do with hardcore....i really truelly feel that being active in your local hardcore, punk, independant music scene is AS important as the drug free criteria to being straighedge

[LadyLoyalty]

As much as I have given my heart and soul to the hardcore scene, supporting the music has nothing to do with your dedication to being straight edge. I am 22 years old and have a career, a loving relationship, and many other hobbies. I financially can't dish out a few bucks to go to a show and deal with dramatic elevator eyes from young females and ridiculed by men for not 'being straight edge' enough due to supporting shows. I've been in different scenes and it seems to me that some scene cannot get out of high school. I am far to mature and have to much respect myself to lower my social bar to be uncomfortable at a show and/or go to jail for assault. Plus if you've either been in my situation with having a career and living on your own. You can us the five or ten bucks for top ramen.

I support the hardcore scene in a different way. Yet I know tons of other fellow straight edge people whom don't even like the music, but sustain a pure and healthy lifestyle.

bottom line; Status in the scene shouldnt justify seniority in straight edge culture.

[xJimmyx]

I agree and disagree with that. I've always been in bands, gone to shows, booked shows etc etc. but I don't think its you need to be a card carrying scene kid. as long as you know the history and where it comes from it doesn't really matter. I know plenty of edge kids who are into metal, hip hop, pop punk etc you get the idea.
If I have $50 for the week I'm paying my cell phone bill, not using it to go to a show and buy merch. unfortunately with adulthood comes bills and life getting in the way of the scene. does that make me less edge?

[LadyLoyalty]

i totally agree with you. I may not have the money to attend shows, but my heart and soul will always be in the hardcore seen. It's helped me grow and i've met amazing people over the years. Those memories will never fade.

[bryan]

a few days

[TheLandOfSt.Ides]

10 years and XGOINGXSTRONGX

[mmelnick]

That's amazing. What made you decide to go edge?

[TheLandOfSt.Ides]

i used to be a drunk. so i gave it up.