>My point was (in part) that religion can provide purpose if people lean into it the right way

There isn't evidence that being involved in a religion alleviates or negates any of the effects/correlations that were presented earlier.

It might seem reasonable to suggest that religion gives people purpose, but again, it actually doesn't really affect what we're talking about. There are extremely religious communities who have extremely high drug use and mental issues per capita. There are extremely religious communities who do not have those issues in the same significant manner. The main factor setting them apart is the economic environment.

The only things (relevant to the current discussion and context) that help out with these issues tends to be economic stability and viability.