Have You Got The Edge?

Some do it to improve their health. Others do it to follow the crowd. But for many straight edgers, there’s a deeper meaning behind their decision to stay free.

Alex Bentley, 23, has been straight edge for five years.

He has seen first-hand what drugs can do to people’s lives. He worked with young offenders where he witnessed how alcohol and drugs can cause destruction in the lives of youngsters.

A relative who became a drug addict and ripped the family apart also spurred his decision to become straight edge. He tells me what happened.

“When I was at school, everybody talked about their big brother but I haven’t got one. I used to talk about my cousin instead. Then I found out that he was a drug addict and I remember feeling so let down by it. Now my little brother looks up to me and I don’t want to be a letdown in the same way.”

It was only when Alex started going to hardcore shows that he uncovered straight edge and learnt that he didn’t have to drink and take drugs to be accepted by his peers.

“There’d be kids wearing t-shirts with three X’s on them. I didn’t really know what it was so I spoke to my mate and he told me. I stopped drinking for six months and I’d never smoked. I did it to see if I could. And I could.”

“One of my mates said, ‘You’ve gone all straight edge on us,’ and I just laughed. Then I kinda thought, ‘You know what, this is for me.’ I figured if I went straight edge, it’d be better for my wellbeing.”

“It’s definitely changed my life for the better because I remember a night out. I don’t wake up on weekends with a hangover and it doesn’t cost me as much when I go out.”

As well as keeping him healthy, Alex enjoys the straight edge lifestyle for another reason.

“I’m always in control. Everything I do is something I have consciously chosen to do. When I’m in the pubs and I see people on coke or speed, I’m just not interested. I prefer being sober because I know I can get away from it all, especially the pub violence. It’s not just push and shove these days.”

He finds that people are always impressed to discover he doesn’t drink. He is proud that he hasn’t given into peer pressure.

“People are surprised by the fact I don’t drink and that’s because of the expectation in society. I hear on the TV all the time about a binge drinking nation but to know that I’m not a part of that feels good. I think no matter what I’m doing with my life, at least I’m not doing that.”

“My parents are pleased as any parent would be knowing that their kids aren’t coming in at all hours throwing up or asking for money to pay off drug dealers. I get a lot of respect from people outside the hardcore scene.”

Alex is the front man of North Wales hardcore band MLB but says you don’t have to be into hardcore to be edge.

“You don’t find many people outside hardcore that are straight edge, mainly because it’s rooted in hardcore music. But there are lots of people out there who are tee-total who don’t call themselves straight edge.”

Hardcore music isn’t the only thing we associate with straight edge. More and more people are getting their drug-free declarations tattooed onto their body. Alex has three straight edge tattoos and says that they’re a symbol of your dedication to the lifestyle.

“Tattoos are something else that go hand in hand with straight edge. Straight edge is supposed to be a lifetime commitment, like a tattoo. It proves that you’re going the distance but I’d definitely recommend people give it some thought before you go ahead and have one.”

He offers advice to anyone who is thinking of becoming straight edge.

“Don’t call yourself edge when you’re not even old enough to drink. And don’t call yourself edge because you haven’t had a drink for a week. Research it, talk to people. Go awhile first to see if it suits you. Don’t just do it because it’s cool.”

Alex muses about the future of this movement.

“I see it growing because of the internet. Hardcore shows used to be for hardcore kids but because of the internet, people hear about them more easily.”

“I also see it getting more violent because people’s attitudes are changing. The image is very alternative with the black hoody’s and the tattoos and whatnot. You’re making yourself a target and there is only so much of that you can take before you start fighting back.”

“But for the most part in the U.K, straight edge is generally a positive thing.”