If their life is so cruel that the only way they can bear living is to believe in something that isn't there then clearly they have bigger problems than a theological debate. But continuing to delude themselves is not going to help them get a better life.
Most atheists that I know support freedom of expression, including religion. I don't think I know of anyone that wants some kind of forced government suppression of religion, if that is what you mean by "eradication".
But whether or not religion has a positive effect on some people is an interesting question.
I.e. are there any people that would commit horrible crimes against other people, but are prevented from doing so because of a fear of hell? Maybe there are a few people like that. It is hard to get any evidence of it though. It does seem that societies with less religion are less violent on the whole however.
to be frank, i stumbled upon this kind of prevent suicide supports group. most of them are my age (20's), i hardly can see if they have a terrible life, but they TRIED or at least had an intention to commit suicide but fortunately, they didnt.
when i talk to them and ask why would they do such horrible things, their answers are vary, some cant deal with bullying, some with parental issues (parent's fight, divorce, abandonement, etc), loneliness, etc. but what i found interesting is, all of them feels that they are not alone to deal with the hardships, they still have God to rely on and they believe, that God will help them, strengthened them, and guide them to become a better person. These people exist! they know im an atheist and they admit they cant prove that god exist, but the thoughts that god loves them is enough to prevent them to commit suicide.
imagine if these people are atheist....