Jennifer Tuerke: Returning to Recovery Through Peer Support

A severe return to use after years of sobriety

Jennifer publicly describes having several years of sobriety before experiencing a severe relapse after the COVID period. Her account places that return to use amid accumulated trauma, including abuse in a former marriage, assaults, her father’s death, divorce and the pressure of raising four children.

A return to use after a long period of recovery can carry intense shame. Jennifer’s story is a reminder that a relapse does not erase earlier progress or make renewed recovery impossible. It can signal that a person needs a different level of care, stronger support or help with trauma and mental health alongside substance use.

Finding a place that kept the door open

Jennifer found Voices of Hope, a Maryland recovery community organization. She says a volunteer shared her own recovery experience and helped connect her with outpatient treatment. The center remained available when Jennifer was doing well, struggling or returning to use.

She participated in SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Sometimes support meant a meeting or practical guidance. At other times, it meant a safe place, coffee and someone willing to listen. That consistency helped counter the isolation that often feeds a return to use.

Getting into the right level of care

When Jennifer became ready for inpatient treatment, an expected placement fell through. She writes that staff stayed with her and continued calling until another appropriate placement was secured. On January 1, she entered Elevate Recovery and completed a 30-day inpatient program.

After inpatient care, she moved into an intensive outpatient program and then ongoing outpatient support. Her progression illustrates continuity of care: a residential stay can create stability, while step-down services, therapy, mutual-help meetings and peer relationships support the return to everyday life.

Rebuilding one part of life at a time

Jennifer’s published account lists practical milestones alongside sobriety. She regained custody of her children, restored her driver’s license, bought a vehicle and pursued graduate study in ministerial leadership, pastoral care and social work. She also began helping people access health care as a Certified Health Insurance Navigator.

She continued therapy, outpatient treatment, community involvement and church participation. She also chose to volunteer with the organization that supported her. Her story shows that recovery is not only about stopping substance use. It can involve rebuilding safety, relationships, health, mobility, education and a sense of contribution over time.

• A return to use does not cancel the possibility of recovery.
• Peer workers can offer hope and practical help at the same time.
• Moving between levels of care can provide support as needs change.
• Recovery milestones can be ordinary, concrete and deeply meaningful.