<font color="purple"> Thank you to all that have replied.... I really appreciated it, and it does help to gain insight from those that have been addicted to substances....I grew up with an alcoholic and can relate to that but I have not ever been addicted to anything, altho I fear have that naure.....

I have talked with him and he seems to be pretty open about the why's.....

helps with his physical pain
gives him a temporary escape from his emotional hell
gives him an escape from other stress
helps calm him (which was one of the signs that tipped me off because he is usually a very tense and strung out kid)

He really feels it sint that big of a deal and I know there maybe a debate in that....... but it is illegal and he has asthma so for him it has the potential of being deadly!

I think I will seek some kind of teen support group or alateen in my area; maybe he would be more likely to opened up with peers....

Thank you again everyone!
Melinda
</font>