Thanks for all of the thoughtful responses. I really appreciate them.
Here is another interesting article about exercises that can help with alcohol-related brain damage:
http://alcoholism.about.com/library/.../aa010618a.htm
A short quote:
"Regrowth of the frontal cortex in particular could be essential for a successful recovery. Including certain activities in therapy - activities that require the use of the frontal cortex, the site of executive function, impulse inhibition and goal setting - have been shown to improve recovery and increase retention in the treatment program. Also, thiamine therapy seems to increase treatment effects, likely by restoring aspects of central nervous system function."