My incredibly anecdotal experience of being a college athlete that slipped into alcohol abuse and getting out of shape for a few years, now 34... 3.5 years no alcohol, slowly getting back in the gym the past year or two. Intense exercise is good for my brain and I need more of it. Was already realizing it, this study confirms. I used to be a sprinter. Handled the stresses of life much better. Started to swim and run again recently. Too bad my body isn't back there yet, pulled a hamstring a couple weeks ago