For D.C. United's Santino Quaranta, there will always be challenges on and off the soccer field

By Steve Goff

D.C. United's Santino Quaranta has been clean and sober for more than three years, but the effort never ends.

"When success comes and people think you are fine, it's forgotten about, but for me, it's a daily routine," Quaranta told the Insider in an extensive interview before the club's departure to Florida for the second stage of training camp. "I am not doing anything differently than the first day I got back to D.C. [from rehab for substance abuse in early 2008]. It's the same thing and it will never change. I am in a better place mentally. I have to stay in a routine. It's one drink or one little injury [and the appetite for pain killers] from going back."

Quaranta, who went public with his addiction in a lengthy and riveting story in The Washington Post in June 2008, says he attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings three or four times per week. His core fellowship of about a half-dozen members, including his sponsor, has remained the same, gathering in Bel Air, Md., which is about 20 minutes from Quaranta's home in the Perry Hall/White Marsh area of Baltimore.

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Preseason is the most challenging time, when United is away for an extended period. Quaranta said he brings along reading material related to sobriety and spirituality, seeks out meetings in that area and speaks regularly on the phone with family and friends. Starting today, United will be based in Fort Lauderdale for about two weeks, then will return home briefly between trips to California and South Carolina before the March 19 season opener against the Columbus Crew at RFK Stadium.

In his meetings in Maryland, Quaranta says there are "guys 40 years sober and 40 days sober. If I don't have that community and I forget that, that is where it all goes wrong for me."

Quaranta said, since achieving sobriety, he has never felt himself slipping but must guard against temptation.

"Are there times when life throws you challenges? Of course. Was last year [during United's poor season] challenging? Of course, it was. But I have a choice. I am not living that obsession anymore. You ask God for help, and once that obsession is lifted, I have a choice when I leave [RFK Stadium] whether to go have a drink in a bar, you know? I go home to my family -- my wife [Petrina], my kids [Olivia, 7, and Valentino, 2], they depend on me now. A lot of people depend on me.

"Is there temptation sometimes? Sure. In the summertime, is it nice to think about crabs and beer? Yeah. I never had just one beer, though. That's the difference between me and you. You can have one. I can't have just one. It comes easier now. I can have fun without a beer."

As a public figure with a well-known story, Quaranta has become a role model for others seeking help. "Everyone is asking for advice. I'm Dr. Phil and Oprah," he said, laughing.

Quaranta remains in regular contact with Dan Cronin, a counselor overseeing the MLS substance abuse program. They have discussed a possible role for him in helping athletes with similar problems when his playing career is over. He is also getting involved in player development, serving as a partner in Pipeline Soccer Club, a new initiative in the Baltimore area.

Though he is just 26 years old, Quaranta is entering his 11th pro season. Among United's players, only forward Josh Wolff, 33, has more MLS experience. Quaranta started 26 league games in 2010 and displayed leadership qualities but lacked production (two goals, two assists in 26 league starts) on a team that set the league record for fewest goals in a season (21).

With Jaime Moreno's departure, Quaranta would seem to be a prime candidate for the captain's armband. Coach Ben Olsen has yet to decide whether to name a full-time captain.

"He has grown as a person 10 fold since he came back. I always joke to him: 'From where you came, 10 fold is just normal now'," Olsen said. "He's up to speed and I'd like to see him as a guy on the field who is unaffected by distractions. He has grown so much, and he can still grow as a soccer player. His life is in order, he seems to be doing great. We are all very happy for him. But as a player, he still has room to grow. I've talked to him about production, about getting to the next level as a leader and who has an influence."

While he works on his game, he also must continue working on his life.

"People think it's hard and it's a battle," Quaranta said. "I don't see it that way. I see it as being given a second chance. The battle was when I was actively in an addiction. That was the battle. For me now, this is an enjoyment. But I have to remember, it's that one drink, one mistake from falling back."

