Compulsive gambling is considered as debilitating as an alcohol or drug addiction, according to the Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling. March Madness often brings many chances at getting some gambling action, but that can trigger compulsive gamblers. Julie Hintzman, a psychotherapist at Ministry Behavioral Health in Stevens Point, says the disorder is treatable and it may be the whole family who needs it. "I do a lot of individual counseling," Hintzman said. "I do a lot of family counseling also because it becomes a family disease, it affects everybody in the family." She's also seeing a trend of more gamblers using their addiction online, where they can be discreet. Younger people may also have a hard time controlling gambling habits. "Research suggests that more teens are gambling more often and the college basketball tournament seems to be a draw for young gamblers," said Rose Gruber, executive director of the WI Council on Problem Gambling.
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