Metal detecting 'saved me', says former addict

A metal detectorist who is in recovery from drink and drug addiction says his hobby "saved him".

Karl Monks, 40, from Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, believes metal detecting is the "best hobby in the world" for ex-addicts who want to turn their lives around.

"I am clean and this has definitely saved me from going to the pub, or getting some drugs, many times,” he told BBC Radio Gloucestershire.

He started detecting nearly three years ago and has since established the Cotswold Metal Detecting Community (CMDC) which has more than 130 members.

Mr Monks said he began using alcohol and drugs to self-medicate after he experienced multiple family tragedies that sent him down "a rocky road to ruin".

He has been sober from alcohol for eight years and clear of drugs for three years.

"If I'm feeling like [self-medicating] I just think 'right I'll pick up the metal detector and go clear my head for a while',” he said.

"And then it gets cleared and, lo-and-behold, I'm another year sober."

After picking up a detector for the first time, Mr Monks found a silver coin and became "instantly hooked".

His most exciting find to date is a chunky silver ring with a red gemstone engraved with an image, possibly of Mars, the god of war, which has been dated to 43AD.

"Sometimes it's not about finding stuff, it's about being out in the field, enjoying the fresh air," he said.

Mr Monks now invites CMDC members to fortnightly digs around Kingswood and Wotton-under-Edge.

Karen Rogers joined the group a year ago and described Mr Monks as "one of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever met".

"It's personally helped me through some difficult times,” she said.

"When you're in the fields you can just forget about everything and just enjoy the fresh air and nature at its best.

"There are some really amazing and kind people in this group and it's an honour to be part of it."

Jakub Rusinek was introduced to Mr Monks in 2023 and quickly overcame his nerves about becoming a detectorist.

"It's amazing to see objects that usually you would see in a museum," he said.

"If you are fortunate enough, you can discover those artefacts yourself.

"Knowing Karl is a huge advantage. He is an expert in identifying good finds from bad ones."

Mr Monks’ group has also raised £17,000 for charities and farmers since it was established.

The group has already raised about £4,000 this year and is aiming to give away more than £10,000 by the end of 2025.