Athlete putting his life together again
After falling hard, former top waterpolo player and cocaine addict Edward Aquilina is putting the pieces of his life back together again, having completed a drug rehabilitation programme with Caritas. He now wants to give something back with a charity swim he is planning between the islands.
It is not the first time someone has swum from Malta to Gozo but water- polo player Edward Aquilina's challenge is driven by more than just sportsmanship - his aim is to raise funds for Caritas for having "saved" him from a crippling cocaine addiction.
The 26-year-old is determined to "give something back to the charity that gave me back my life", teaching him how to appreciate it after he almost destroyed it with drugs.
Cocaine and sports do not exactly go hand in hand but in some cases, they do. "I was a successful water- polo player and sports meant everything to me. I felt invincible and got big-headed.
"I won 11 cups in eight years and drug abuse came with the package," he said, aware of the apparent contradiction.
"The rehab programme taught me to have a structure in my life and to change my lifestyle completely. I used to do nothing but laze about and play waterpolo. Now I have found a balance...
"It taught me to appreciate being able to watch a DVD once a month, and having a chocolate became an award," Mr Aquilina says, comparing these simple pleasures to his previous hedonistic life.
Mr Aquilina entered the Caritas rehabilitation programme in 2008, when his weekend use of cocaine since he was around 15 turned into an addiction. After six months of taking the drug practically every day and spending thousands of euro a week, he knew he had reached rock bottom.
The consequences obviously seeped into other areas of his life and he ran a successful business into the ground, spending all his earnings on his vice.
Mr Aquilina is open about his problem, admitting he had been suffering from depression for years, without knowing what was wrong with him. Psychologists, psychiatrists and anti-depressants characterised the life of the outwardly fit and successful player, and he seemed to get away with it.
Although he reached a point where he wanted to kick the habit at all costs, he only lasted three months in rehab, shocked by the lifestyle that was worlds apart from his.
"Imagine getting up at 7 a.m. and cleaning toilets by 7.30, when I was used to doing absolutely nothing at home. I had been living the life of an addict, meaning I did not care about a thing..."
Mr Aquilina felt like a "massive failure" when he walked out of the gates of San Blas prematurely, warned that he risked relapsing, or overdosing - a fate many of his friends have met over the years.
But he persisted with an evening programme and should be graduating on July 9.
"I am working on regaining my confidence. In the eyes of society, I am a drug addict and probably always will be... I have lost my identity in sports," he said, grateful that San Ġiljan has offered him the opportunity to get back in the game.
The magnitude of his fall is highlighted in his description of himself as a "disgraced" sportsman, who once represented his country for seven years and was looked up to by the children at the pitch where he played.
But Mr Aquilina's swim is not aimed at boosting his own tainted profile, he insists. "I just want to help those who have helped me!"
Staff members at San Blas are available 24 hours a day if someone is experiencing a bad moment and gets a craving. Mr Aquilina knows he can turn to them whenever he has a problem and is eternally grateful for the chance to be "born again."
San Blas is his "second home", even though he only lasted three months... "When you split, you cannot just go back. I was warned I would regret it and used to pass by with my car just to look at the building when I left. The people there are like doctors to me - saving lives every day!"
The idea for the swim had come to him earlier but he was not yet ready to undertake the challenge for Caritas, being still in a precarious state. Today, however, after 18 months of being "straight", Mr Aquilina feels stronger than ever before, working around living a clean life and making sure he does not get dangerously overconfident.
And it is no mean feat, when considering the availability of drugs in Malta. Coming from the horse's mouth, he claims "it is as easy as buying a beer!
"In my opinion, the problem in Malta is on the increase. It is evident that drugs are everywhere and I find it shocking that people are still shocked about this fact. Toilets in nightclubs even have shelves, specifically for users to sniff cocaine on.
"Now that I have regained my senses, I can see it more. I've been there, so I will not judge anyone. But if I had my own kids, I would be worried. Children as young as 13 are already taking cocaine."
The waterpolo player hopes a substantial amount of the €50,000 he wants to raise - having already collected €17,000 from his campaign that kicked off six months ago - will go to San Blas, although he knows Caritas has several needs.
The charity event, which he is attempting with another 15 swimmers, is scheduled for July 3, or August 8, depending on the weather and the jellyfish.
"I do not consider the five-kilometre swim a piece of cake but I chose something I feel I can do and am good at."
Mr Aquilina intends to turn the charity swim, whose main sponsor is Nexos Lighting, into an annual event in aid of Caritas. Any donations can be made to HSBC account number 089021513052 and BOV account number 40018761414.
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John Richards
Jun 30th 2010, 22:33
Good luck with your swim between the two beautiful islands!! Perhaps another sponsorship option for you, would be to create a justgiving page. The web site is very easy to use and the address is http://www.justgiving.com/
I have used it for a charity event i recently did in London. It is VERY easy to use and it may make your sponsorship pot larger. I have no affiliation to the site whatsoever i hasten to add!!! :-)
Again, good luck with your swim.
Joe Xuereb
Jun 30th 2010, 15:27
Good luck with your charity swim Edward. You'll be so proud of yourself man, and Malta with you.
2) So Maltese clubs provide shelves for cocaine-smokers. Here in UK, such venues are advised to eliminate any level surface of any sort as a deterrent.
I once read that Italian drug-users put their lives at risk because of ignorance surrounding drug use (the best is of course, for one not to go near the stuff). Malta, like Italy, is a sunny place where the summer months are for pure 24/7 hedonism. Together with lack of education, this is a cocktail for disaster. Please inform yourselves youngsters (and not so young). Life IS difficult but drugs are not the answer. Inform yourself, stay clean, and it's OK if life feels a bit of a struggle. But anything is better than ruining your young life. And swimming is good for you. Exercise is good to combat depression.
Joe Xuereb
Jun 30th 2010, 15:16
1) Thank you Edward Aquilina. And a heart-felt congratulations young man.
Any addiction can be overcome by 'talking' therapy thereby gaining necessary insights. I was a heavy smoker and then I read a section about addiction in a book where the first sentence was 'Your sigarette is like the friend you don't have'. I read on and before long I understood what that meant. I gave up. No patches, no cigarette substitutes, no hypnosis. Nothing. I am financially better off (a pack of 20 in UK is £6) and my chest feels heathier. I've friends who try all sorts of therapies but invariably, and because they do not get insights into addiction, or are not motivated enough to take them on board, they start smoking again in no time. I don't mind people around me smoking. I smoke the odd cigarette. I don't demonise smokers. If someone tried to encourage me to habitually smoke again, that's when I'd walk away. I don't need such people. Edward, I don't know if your habit was done on your own. If not, be careful of other addicts. They'll not be happy that you cleaned up your act. Good luck with the charity-swim.
continued
A.Camilleri
Jun 30th 2010, 12:17
Well Done Cocc, you beat the pressure !!! Hang in there ur on the right track ...... hoping others will follow and realise what life really is all about !
Daniela Klein
Jun 29th 2010, 21:06
Well done! What a good example.
Claire Busuttil
Jun 29th 2010, 20:42
Good Luck!
monica cauchi
Jun 29th 2010, 09:35
I am sure that when Edward was going through the hard stages of his addiction, it was difficult for his parents to even imagine that one day it would all be different. And yes it is, Edward has changed his portofolio, he is now a living proof that there is always hope as long as there is life. Prosit Edward, some parents feel proud that their children achieve academic success, others like yours I am sure feel proud when seeing you today. My heart swelled reading your story, and I thought of your family, who must have gone through a lot before seeing the fruit of their love, perseverance and faith in you. May God bless you all.
joe fenech
Jun 29th 2010, 08:18
"In my opinion, the problem in Malta is on the increase. It is evident that drugs are everywhere and I find it shocking that people are still shocked about this fact. Toilets in nightclubs even have shelves, specifically for users to sniff cocaine on.
"Now that I have regained my senses, I can see it more. I've been there, so I will not judge anyone. But if I had my own kids, I would be worried. Children as young as 13 are already taking cocaine.
We are missing the most important thing here ...... Dear Mr.Aqulina while i admire your courage for coming back to life & wish u all the best , the most prioirity things are to stop these drug dealers & suppliers ! first we have to make sure to reduce number of people goin to Caritas rather than raising funds ! from what u said in your interview & after considering the long time u abused the drug , i guess u will be really useful to pass personal information !
J Bonello
Jun 29th 2010, 07:57
Prosit! Hang in there buddy!
Mark Seychell
Jun 29th 2010, 00:31
Good luck mate. Being a sports fanatic myself, I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through by not being able to play waterpolo. But I am glad, and also proud that you are finding something charitable to fill in the gap. Well done, and good luck
S.Caruana
Jun 28th 2010, 22:53
Fil-Hajja hemm successi u fallimenti, imma li wiehed ifalli ma jfissirx li ma` jistax jirnexxi. U hekk ghamlet din il-persuna ipruvat tghin ruha, biex tohrog mill-vizzji tad-droga u tibda tghix hajja gdida. Iebsa mhux facli ha nghid hekk.
Lil din il-persuna nghidilha biex tkompli tahdem favur il-HAJJA u li bl-ezempju tieghi ser jghin bil-bosta lil hafna ohrajn li jinsabu fxifer ta` falliment mnhabba il-vizzju tad-droga.
Kuragg u proset habib.
Nikita Alamango
Jun 28th 2010, 20:09
Great experience ! Keep it up and never forget what you have been through ! Good luck
N. Attard
Jun 28th 2010, 18:28
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. Keep it up, man.
Andre Mifsud
Jun 28th 2010, 18:25
Well done i!!.. Inspiring to all of us..keep up the good work!
Daniela Grech
Jun 28th 2010, 17:43
Well done for fighting it out and for speaking up! You have come a long way and you should be proud of yourself! You are definitely going to be an example for many people reading this article who are going through what you have been through! Unfortunately most people are still in denial that cocaine is addictive.
The people are Caritas are great and dedicated! Good luck for your swim, its a brill idea, enjoy the challenge, keep strong and stay humble and you'll be a winner!
andreana attard
Jun 28th 2010, 16:28
Wow. I admire this young man. I hope he stays strong. To me, he is far from disgraced, more like human. I also admire St Julians Club which is giving him a second chance.
Just one question about semantics in this article: should someone staying off drugs be called "straight" ? ("Today, however, after 18 months of being "straight", Mr Aquilina feels stronger than ever before,.......") Why not "clean"?
Kirill Micallef Stafrace
Jun 28th 2010, 16:01
Great news and humility. An eye opener to many
paul abela
Jun 28th 2010, 15:55
this is a very great idea what Edward (cocci) is doing.. giving back something to society. Not knowing him personally, but friends of the family,and seeing him play waterpolo, I wish him every success in achieving his goal. Well done Edward and keep it up.
Fr.Tonio Mifsud
Jun 28th 2010, 15:15
Well done, my friend. although I don't know you. Now From your own experience you can help Others whom they have the same problems. Praying for you . Keep it up.Edward
J Mallia
Jun 28th 2010, 14:43
Well done to Mr Aquilina for putting his life back on track. I agree with him 100% that San Blas is a home away from home where one can escape the rat race and regain the clear-headedness needed to see the damage he is causing to himself and to society in general.
S. Caruana
Jun 28th 2010, 14:37
Welldone Edward!!!!! Thanks for sharing your story.
Keep it up!
God Bless You
Jesmond Micallef
Jun 28th 2010, 14:01
I wish this fellow human being the very best of luck. Keep at it Edward Aquilina. May you set an example to those who are in a "poor state" and give them courage to change their lifestyles for their own benefit but also for others too.
All the best to you but remember how hard times were should they creep up again !!
michael Seychell
Jun 28th 2010, 13:30
I have heard your name many times in the past, but we never met, and I therefore ask you to permit me to address you as Dear Edward.
I admire your frankness and courage to talk about your problems and admitting that you became a disgrace to society.
I pray God and hope that others who were and still are suffering from such 'sickness' will follow your words and actions, and try as hard as they possibly can from today, to walk out of the gutters they have fallen into .
I am a father of three and a grandfather of eight, and I have never looked down on drug addicts or others who have ruined their life through alcohol, on the contrary I always keep in mind that tomorrow one of my children or grand childfren, and even myself for that matter, can become a drug/alcohil victim.
Edward albeit I do not know I feel proud for you of what you have already done and pray God that you succeed in your fete not only for your own self esteem and the money you will raise for C aritas, but to be of example to other victims.
Michael Seychell
Tanya Briffa
Jun 28th 2010, 12:59
Thank you Edward, your story is very inspiring. Everyone makes mistakes and nearly everyone has a vice. But we don't all admit it and we certainly don't all seek help. It doesn't do to feel superior just because we don't do drugs or other more obvious destructive activities. We are all to blame in some way and we should all strive to be humble and ask for help. This is not to diminish Edward's comeback in any way. I'm glad your life has been saved for clearly your heart is in the right place. Congratulations!
A Gauci
Jun 28th 2010, 12:40
I don't know this young man ( I'm the age to probably know his parents!) but I can only say Prosit!! God bless you in your effort to stay clean. Thank you for being open and sharing your uplifting experience. Brought a tear to my eye. Your parents must have gone to hell and back with worry, but I'm sure they're proud of you. I would be! Caritas and San Blas perform miracles with these young people - so thanks to them too in the name of society..
Michael Vella
Jun 28th 2010, 11:59
Well done, i really do wish you all the very best.
Stephen Koludrovic
Jun 28th 2010, 11:40
Good luck mate, wishing you all the best.
Franco Farrugia
Jun 28th 2010, 11:28
It is indeed a contradiction for a sportsperson to be on drugs. But in this case, the person in question managed to get over and is getting over it and has the courage to face the reality. Well done, congratulations on your leap forward, Mr Aquilina and hopefully all this will be history.
Jimmy Magro
Jun 28th 2010, 11:10
"In my opinion, the problem in Malta is on the increase. It is evident that drugs are everywhere and I find it shocking that people are still shocked about this fact. Toilets in nightclubs even have shelves, specifically for users to sniff cocaine on."
The meltdown in our values has brought a system of governance based on laissez faire; the authorities have no teeth and are part of the establishment that allows everyone to be above the law. In addition to roadblocks the authorities need to go with their dogs to all entertainment spots and make a sweep of every building and person entering these establishments.
The law must be changed to make all drug relatd offences a criminal offence as those that buy/consume drugs for their personal consumption are part of the drug trade/big business.
The policy must be to clean Malta and adopt a zero-tolerance policy from top to bottom.
James Borg
Jun 28th 2010, 11:03
Well done, Edward! Keep it up. We could use men like you today.
Paul Fenech
Jun 28th 2010, 10:52
I am not going to judge you, because i have a son of 13 years, and do not know what his future will hold. It would be very interesting if you would go to secondry schools and talk to children about the problem of drugs, they will hear it from the horses mouth. Good luck and stay clean for all your life from drugs
Sue Privitelli
Jun 28th 2010, 10:47
Prosit Edward, keep up the good work and well done San Giljan ASC for giving him a second chance.
David Camilleri
Jun 28th 2010, 10:30
Well done to Edward Aquilina for putting his life together again, being open is a good thing, and I believe he is being a good example to everyone and deserves respect for his honesty. His story can teach everyone a lesson, sportsman and not.
What I want to know is.
Did you ever take amphetamins before important matches ????
Theresa Demanuele
Jun 28th 2010, 10:25
No words can ever express the gratitude towards organisations such as Caritas, which are mostly needed in today's society. And well done to Mr Aquilina - may God bless him & may his story help others to seek help and to realise that THERE IS A FUTURE! Just reach out for help!