2 days ago
Ex-drug addict from Aberdare apponited sergeant in army
Gareth Jones, 35, from Aberdare spent 10 years of his life addicted to drugs.
At the height of his usage, Gareth was 'totally dependent' and abusing drugs daily.
Now he's transformed his life and runs a mental health page called Mental Health Wanderer, is part of the military and runs ultramarathons in his spare time.
Gareth Jones ex drug addict turned military sergeant (Image: Gareth Jones) Speaking of his journey Gareth said: 'I was a drug user from the age of 14 and for the best part of ten years.
'I started on Cannabis then the addiction grew to taking pills and Cocaine on the weekend the weekend turned into four-day weekends and then I was totally dependent.'
Soon drugs had become Gareth's new 'normal.'
He told the Argus 'It got to the point where I was dependent on the drugs but still had a life.
'Everyone was clueless as to how bad my addiction was and when I was clean people would think I was on drugs because they'd never seen me clean.'
Gareth Jones ex drug addict in his military uniform (Image: Gareth Jones) For Gareth his wakeup call came when he was arrested by the police.
He said: 'I got arrested for suspected attempted murder. I was sitting in my nans garden, and the police arrested me.
'I spent 18 hours in the cell and that was the first time I had suicidal thoughts sitting with a microwavable meal and a spork in the cell.
'That was my wakeup call I was petrified of going to prison.'
Having hit rock bottom, Gareth was inspired to start anew and in 2015 he joined the military.
He said: 'My life flashed before my eyes and then I had this goal and vision to join the military.
'I did end up doing it I went cold turkey buying the drugs and flushing them down the toilet.
'I was smoking weed up until I joined the army and now, I've been on this crazy adventure.'
Gareth Jones running an ultramarathon (Image: Gareth Jones) Currently, Gareth is a member of the Army Air Corps, alongside this he manages a mental health Facebook page and service called Mental Health Wanderer.
Gareth's account has a following of 20,000 followers. He started Mental Health Wanderer back in 2020 after completing a month-long running challenge in the space of two days.
Since then, he's completed large feats including a run from North Wales to Aberdare and The Snowdonia 100 Mile Ultra.
On June 4 he received the news he was going to be promoted from corporal to sergeant.
Speaking of overcoming addiction Gareth said: 'I run the account to show people who are struggling like I was you can make something of yourselves life isn't just over because you're a drug user.
'I'm grateful to my kids and wife and everyone that's supported me over the last couple of years because without them I couldn't have done this.'
