I disagree with the notion that simply asking the question is itself an indication of a problem. I can freak myself out about practically anything with almost no supporting evidence.
I would go one step further than that. It seems to be a common response here that simply asking these questions indicates he has a problem. I've noticed that "treatment" types tend to have that response to all people asking questions about their personal drug use. The obvious result of this is that fewer people seek advice. They'll learn the typical reaction is, 'if he's asking about it and he's thinking about it, he's probably an addict.' That answer isn't helpful and it isn't intelligent. There should be some measurable standards of addiction. How you feel about it shouldn't be one of them.
And some of us will quietly contemplate the problem to the nth degree, and when we finally ask for help you'd better believe it's very serious and we're about to lose it.