Years ago a fellow that worked at the Oregon Primate Research Center told me about an amazingly simple method used to trap monkeys. Anchor a jar with a nut in it, such that the mouth of the jar is wide enough for the monkey to put its hand in, but too small for the monkey to withdraw the nut in its closed fist. Even as the trapper approaches, the monkey will NOT let go of the nut, and soon it's in the bag.
I think we all tend to hold onto what we have, even when our instincts tell us that it is disadvantageous, or even dangerous, to do so. E.g., how many people who have lived in an abusive relationship, when finally freed from that relationship, turn right around and take up with another abuser? How many people throw good money after bad? How many people continue to put up with an oppressive job that they hate? How many people leave one high-control religion simply to join another one of the same type but under a different name? Not to mention self-destructive addictions.
Who knows, maybe your influence will be just enough to help your friend break that cycle!
Craig