Straight Edge refers to a lifestyle, a personal commitment, a philosophy, and a subculture that is closely associated with, but not mutually exclusive to, the hardcore punk rock community. Straight Edgers abstain completely from every and all types of recreational drug use, including tobacco and alcohol. Followers of the Straight Edge philosophy also abstain from promiscuous sex, the regular use of painkillers, and the intake of caffeine. Some also practice vegetarianism or veganism. The "Straight Edge" lifestyle has recently spread around the world, but is most popular in more economically developed nations.
There are various reasons why people like me choose to live by the Straight Edge lifestyle, and there are various interpretations of the practice and various applications of the precepts. Some use the lifestyle as a "stepping stone" because they, like I, believe it will allow them to be more involved with their own mental and physical health. For many, including myself, Straight Edge includes sexual abstinence and involves refraining from promiscuous sexual activity. However, rather than promoting strict abstinence, many Straight Edge persons believe in sex within a loving and caring relationship rather than random one-night stands.
In recent years, the appeal of Straight Edge has broadened well beyond the initial scope of the punk rock and indie cultures and has grown appeal to youth of many cultures who reject recreational drug use. Many people who are Straight Edge become attracted to it as a counterculture option to what they see as a widespread global drug culture.
Straight Edge is considered to be a choice by many of its followers. In this sense, no one is born Straight Edge or has been Straight Edge their entire lives. Labeling oneself Straight Edge is a conscious decision that someone makes for themselves and is generally not seen as a label that is obtained by default. One is not Straight Edge simply because they don't drink, smoke, or do drugs, because it requires active decision-making and strong mental discipline.
Straight Edge is not a religion, it is a life's philosophy. Some Straight Edgers feel that having a clear mind is a better way to approach life and spirituality. In many circles, the lifestyle has strong associations with spirituality. There were at one time significant Hare Krishna Straight Edge movements. Many Christians, such as myself, a devout Roman Catholic, also consider themselves Straight Edge. Indeed, the rejection of illicit substances, alcohol consumption, and premarital sex is commonly encouraged by many mainstream churches and their youth groups. It should not be assumed, however, that the self-identification as Straight Edge is a casual replacement of one label with another.
