Many GYE members spend (or have spent) time learning in Yeshiva, Kollel, or both, before "going out into the world." Whatever Nisyonos we faced while involved in full-time learning, leaving the daled amos shel Halacha is a Nisayon in its own category.
In the attached clips from Irgun Shiurei Torah's Shovavim series, Rabbi Yisroel Belsky addresses many aspects of this issue.
A couple of disclaimers:
1. The question was presented by a wife whose husband seemed to be moving further and further away from being the Ben Torah that she married. Rabbi Belsky gives some advice to wives in this situation, but that’s not the message that husbands need to hear. He then goes on to discuss the issue from the husband’s perspective – that’s the part that men should be paying attention to.
2. The answer is not being addressed to addicts in particular. Nevertheless, there is much to benefit from hearing the Torah perspective regarding going out into the world, both from the angle of Sur Mei’rah and from that of Asei Tov.
Note: These clips are being shared with permission from Irgun Shiurei Torah. Recordings on hundreds of topics can be ordered from Irgun Shiurei Torah by calling (718) 851-8651, or by sending an e-mail to tapecenter@yeshivanet.com.