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A Caerphilly man who overcame a Class A drug addiction has spent the past seven months travelling in a mobile pod, rebuilding his life and helping others believe they can rebuild theirs too.
Gareth Masterman started his “Stay Mental” message after stopping his drug use, admitting he reached a turning point where he knew he had to change or risk losing his family.
In a desperate bid to break his addiction, Gareth went “cold turkey” and retreated to a camping pod for 15 days to force a total break from his routine. Rather than returning to his former life when those two weeks ended, he chose to stay on the road. He moved between pods and built temporary shelters before returning home and adapting his current mobile pod to go on the road once again.
His pod is now covered in written messages of positivity from people he has met while travelling across Wales, and a short time in Europe.
“The pod was to send a message out to people – to show them it can be done,” Gareth said. “I honestly believe there is always an answer. You’ve just got to find it.”
Connecting with nature and spending time outdoors has become a central part of his new lifestyle. Gareth chooses not to wear shoes except when driving, explaining that going barefoot helps him feel connected to the ground beneath his feet.
Having also experienced depression alongside addiction, he says his past gives him an understanding of how difficult it can be for someone trapped in substance misuse to see a way forward.
Through his TikTok account, Stay Metal, Gareth documents his travels and receives messages from people asking for support. On occasion, he has taken individuals away from their usual surroundings to travel with him, asking only that they cover fuel expenses.
He operates independently as an individual rather than a registered charity or formal support provider. While he acknowledges that changing physical surroundings does not solve everything without an internal shift in perspective, he insists recovery is possible.
“Don’t think nothing can change,” he added. “You’ve got to change your mindset.”
Gareth’s personal campaign comes as official figures highlight the ongoing impact of substance misuse across Caerphilly County Borough.
Data from Public Health Wales shows 15 drug-misuse deaths were registered in Caerphilly County Borough in 2024 – a rate of 9.3 deaths per 100,000 residents. The figure matches the 15 deaths recorded in 2023, following 14 in 2022 and 12 in 2021.
Across Wales, 288 drug-misuse deaths were registered in 2024, the highest annual total on record, with opioids involved in nearly 70% of cases.
For Gareth, those statistics represent real lives. He intends to remain on the road as much as possible , using his pod as a conversation starter to show others that a different path is possible. His simple message is “Stay Mental” – a phrase he uses to promote a positive mindset and encourage people not to give up.
While Gareth chose to stop using drugs “cold turkey”, this is not something everyone should attempt. Stopping some drugs or alcohol suddenly can be dangerous, and professional advice and support should always be sought.
- Gwent Drug and Alcohol Service (GDAS): 0333 999 3577
- DAN 24/7 Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline: Freephone 0808 808 2234 or text DAN to 81066
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