I was sober from 26 to about 32. During that time, I discovered Mountain Biking. Being the alkie that I am, I couldn't just enjoy it. No, I had to excel at it ! I quickly became obsessed, and ended up being a force to reckon with at the Regional level. (Expert men, 25-34, X-country)
Alas, I never found balance, and eventually I turned back to drink.
That said, exercise in moderation is a wonderful supplement to a good recovery program. Just don't make exercise your only recovery program like I did.