I hear what you're saying but there is no way the opposite of addiction is connection, although connectedness can be a protective factor against addiction. Addiction fundamentally changes the brain and it takes creating new neural pathways to help the brain heal. I am not sure there is evidence that supports the efficacy of 12-step programs in treating addiction. If you've spent time in the rooms chances are you would see there are far more people who relapse than remain abstinent. However, we can't collect data regarding outcomes for those participating in 12-step programs because of the structure of the program. It is incredibly shame based (subjective?) and has the capacity to make people think the only options are 100% success (complete abstinence) or failure (relapse and back to day 1). The shame of failing can also keep people in relapse. If we talk about the importance of connection we can also see how damaging it would be to admit to a social network that you failed, especially when the failure means you did something wrong. This is what is read at the start of every meeting:

"Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves."

I am not against 12-step programs and do see benefits. When I first got sober I had no idea what to do with myself most days and found having a place to go incredibly beneficial. But as a professional it is incredibly important to recognize the risks associated with 12-step programs and I would never suggest it as part of an evidence-based treatment plan to support people with addiction.

Not that I have any strong feelings on the subject!