This season we watched Jenelle go through a number of emotional ups and downs. We also learned that she has a dependency on marijuana--and now we're watching her try to find sobriety. Jenelle made the decision to enter a rehab facility in California and it was very interesting watching her struggle to get clean.

I was surprised to learn that Jenelle's brother suffers from bipolar disorder and that Jenelle's psychiatrist suspects that Jenelle may be suffering from it too. Considering all of her extreme outbursts, it would make a lot of sense. During Jenelle's therapy sessions, we learn some important things about her, including that she has been smoking marijuana consistently since she was thirteen years old. I couldn't help but think about the role that fact may have played in her pregnancy. Teens who have used marijuana are four times more likely to have been pregnant or to have gotten someone pregnant than teens who have never used marijuana. Plus, nearly one-quarter of sexually active teens and young adults age 15 to 24 report that they have had sex without a condom because they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

It is no surprise that Jenelle's relationship with her mom, Barbara, causes her a significant amount of stress. We learned that what triggers Jenelle to go from calm to screaming is very often linked to her son, Jace. Jenelle freaks out when her mom criticizes her parenting skills. Although Barbara does make some valid points about Jenelle's lack of involvement and responsibility, it is nice to see Jenelle showing that she does truly care about Jace. I must admit that I was surprised that Jenelle completed the entire rehab program and took it seriously. While in rehab she finds ways to better deal with stress rather than turning to marijuana and learns how to effectively communicate with her mom. I think another huge victory for Jenelle was finally saying no to Keiffer. She realizes that he is a bad influence on her and that she needs to take care of herself and Jace.

We can only hope Jenelle stays healthy and focuses on staying clean, not only because she is on probation, but for Jace. Jace needs and deserves a healthy role model for a mother.

*****

Roxanne Martin is an intern for The National Campaign's Entertainment Media and Audience Strategy department. She recently graduated from George Washington University, where she studied human services and public health. Roxanne loves sports and traveling. She hopes to travel the world someday.