In the next phase of the story, the Rosh Yeshiva gives over to Yerachmiel the job of being in charge of the Otzar ha'Seforim (the library of the Sefarim) for the coming year. This wise step achieves many important objectives in helping Yerachmiel break free of his addiction and enables him to make a steady progress over the course of the Z'man (semester).
Self-Esteem Boost:
Being in charge of the Otzar ha'Seforim and the responsibility that this entails, serves to boost Yerachmiel's self esteem, which in turn enhances his positive self image and helps him break the vicious cycle of feeling down, acting out, feeling even worse and acting out again.
Staying Busy:
Yerachmiel's occupation with the new job serves the purpose of keeping him occupied and interested in what he is doing. This leaves less room in his mind and less time available for unhealthy pursuits.
Healthy Fulfillment:
In doing something he enjoys, Yerachmiel is left feeling accomplished and fulfilled. This takes away the subconscious need to seek artificial sources of fulfillment, and it helps remove the desire to "medicate" his feelings of inadequacy through self-destructive pleasure seeking.
Reconnecting with Life:
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the new job gives Yerachmiel an opportunity to to open up and reconnect with life and the people around him.
It is a known fact that a person who is a "loner" (i.e. he spends most of his time alone and/or is closed up within himself), has a much harder time to break free from these addictions. One of the most powerful techniques for someone who is trying hard to break free, is to make sure that he constantly mingles with people, reconnects with society and remains an active member of the "club". Examples could include taking part in Shul or communal activities and spending more time with your family.
It is very helpful when trying to stop these destructive behaviors, to find healthy activities that we enjoy and that can keep us occupied and give us a sense of fulfillment and purpose. This helps fill the subconscious "void" that we were trying to satisfy with unhealthy pleasure seeking.
Find some new project/s that will enable you to express your creativity, find enjoyment and reconnect with life and the world around you. Some ideas can be found in our Kosher Isle (especially in Kosher Activities section).