This ad seems way too convenient. It addresses exactly the problems Faye mentioned - creeps, a faith-based approach and the age gap. Like it's made for her! I can't tell if it's a joke, or a message ('if you look for it, there's exactly the support group you need! Yay support groups!') or... I don't know.
I'm waiting until the strip progresses further to decide if it's giving a pro-support groups message. Considering Jeph has said he didn't use one when he himself quit, I'm thinking it's more a chance to introduce new characters and set Faye's future plot path than it is a 'support groups are totally fantastic, guys!' thing.
Yeah, I get it - I don't like it from a storytelling perspective though. Support groups aren't for everybody, and that's fine! Why shoehorn a character into it?
And some people wouldn't manage to get sober
without a group to help them.
I don't see it as shoehorning at all. Faye's already using Hanners as a sort of tiny, adorable support group. This whole scene, remember, got started because Faye needed Hanners' help to fight the urge to buy scotch
You're absolutely right though, the specifications of the group seem to be a pretty convenient plot device, but at the same time, I'd be willing to bet those exist, seeing as so many people have exactly the same concerns as Faye voiced back in strip 2895.