Use opposite and the opposite of only when you mean that two things are altogether different in nature, quality, or significance: thought that the medicine would make him sleepy, but it had the opposite effect.The opposite of long is short.The two men went off in opposite directions. (= one went to the left and one to the right)
To describe people opinions, life styles, ways of thinking etc., the usual word is different: These two schools of thought are completely different.
One thing is opposite another thing (WITHOUT to/of): The nearest bus stop is opposite the bank.
When opposite means facing the speaker or the person/place being talked about,it comes immediately after the noun: The house opposite is also for sale.