I too have a friend who used to cut and said the same thing.  They need release from their emotional pain by feeling physical pain.  Most of them just wan the distraction but you are right they need lots of help and they need it now.

Isnt it a twisted way of getting distracted?  Why not find other diversions, like your friends, or sports or a hobby?  Much more productive and less painful than cutting... :(

no doubt he has mental problems. ask professional help for him immediately.

Talk to his parent, so that he may be given attention and be given treatment or remedy.

your friends needs to have a counseling. I have a friend too who does the same. She even made it in front of me and i really don't know what to do. the next day after having a counseling with our school nun i can see that she was calm already but  i can say that she still needs a follow up.

Oh boy... where to start.  First you need to talk to your friend as there are other healthier outlets to his grief.  Yes, grief.  Because for some reason your friend is hurting very badly.

Next, you need to talk to his parent or guardian.  Usually its a family related matter, which is why it hurts so bad.

After this, you need to convince your friend to go to counselling or therapy.  There his needs and feelings will be addressed accordingly and in a more productive manner.

How do I know... I used to do this but not with cutting.... I used to get piercings.  Then my mom noticed that I seem to be "enjoying" it too much and bought me to a therapist....

My parents were going through a divorce during this period and as an only child I felt torn between them and I thought that physical pain was better than emotional pain.  And yes, it is a good distraction but not a healthy one. 

I'm still in therapy btw...So far, my parents are officially divorced and I shuttle between my mom's house and my dad's apartment.  It's rough but talking helps.