Earlier quoted context omitted.
What do you consider "not for the better"?
He’s vocal and somewhat threatening about his newfound religious opinions about death. I mean, he’s probably happier, but at the cost of transplanting himself to an entirely new friend group and lifestyle. The person I knew is effectively dead.
Your description of how he changed seems objectively neutral; but disappointing for you because you can no longer identify with him.
>he’s probably happier, but at the cost of transplanting himself to an entirely new friend group and lifestyle Honestly I don't get how you can perceive that he's happier, but still see him as having changed "for the worse".