Wowsers. When you see pictures of him in Syria he looked much healthier. Bright eyes, good skin, just generally healthy. He looks very poorly here, unhealthy and exhausted. Maybe he really enjoyed Syria and when he couldn't get back there, he lost direction/really got stuck into drugs? If he really felt he belonged in Syria, he may have had some trouble adjusting back to a mainstream life?
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The reverse culture shock of coming back to Australia after being over there could be quite considerable. I know I've felt strange, disconnected and like I don't "belong" after being away travelling, and especially when I've been to a developing country where the difference is so stark. I suffer from depression and anxiety so I'm predisposed to these sorts of phenomena; something like this may have contributed to him going down a negative path.
Reverse culture shock.
You'll note that it states that if it is "involuntary", it is worse. He was forced to come home...
https://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c56075.htm
From that link:
Voluntary versus involuntary reentry: involuntary is worse
Expected versus unexpected reentry: unexpected is harder
Age: reentry may be easier for older people who have been through more life transitions.
Previous reentry experience: the first time is worse.
Length of the overseas stay: the longer the sojourn, the greater the chance for adaptation; hence the harder it may be to leave and come home.
Degree of interaction with the overseas culture: the more involved you become in the local culture the harder it may be to leave it behind.
The reentry environment: the more familiar and supportive the easier the reentry.
Amount of interaction with the home culture during the overseas sojourn: the more familiar the returnee is with changes in the home culture the easier the reentry.
Degree of difference between the overseas and the home culture: the greater the difference, the harder the reentry.