I agree in substantial part with RSRH.
However, I don’t imagine the kid is happy now either and is seeing positive in his new life. I imagine he is just running away from the pain in his old life.
This pain may well be related to this issue, if he has been told that the only way he will be happy is living in an exact lifestyle–and he finds himself unhappy in it; well that can feel pretty hopeless.
That usually happens more among kids who are told that not only nust they be frum, but they must also learn or be in chinnuch their whole life–and be happy!