Addiction starts with a debilitating, devastating dependency on medicine meant to decrease pain. Despite the negative consequences, Heroin users feel unable to break out of the prison caused by drug abuse. Some garner the courage to follow a Heroin rapid-detox program to end the horrid withdrawal syndrome.  Heroin acts similarly to other opiate drugs, because it is a narcotic synthesized from mo More..rphine. Stopping illicit use of the drug after either little or prolonged exposure can trigger painful Heroin withdrawal as quickly as within 6 hours. More on Heroin withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal and side effects adversely influence the body’s physiological systems, especially the respiratory, circulatory, and central nervous systems. The effects upon the lungs, heart, and brain can prove fatal when overuse occurs. However, serious reactions are not limited to the above. Heroin use has led to respiratory arrest, coma, and death. Heroin also triggers disastrous consequences and harm to the user, especially when combined with alcohol, sedatives, barbiturates, and certain other medication.