OMAHA, Neb. -- Could a pill be enough to help compulsive gamblers overcome their addiction?

University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers are seeking volunteers to test a drug thought to curb the propensity to gamble.

"Generally, we're looking for people who have gambled once in the last month, and three times in the last three months," said clinical psychologist Dennis McNeilly.

McNeilly said gamblers who volunteer for the study will take a drug known as nalmefene.

"It's a medication that blocks the pleasure receptors in the brain," McNeilly said.

The drug has proved effective in treating alcoholism by decreasing cravings. But can it help a gambling addiction?

"We're optimistic that it's going to be very helpful," McNeilly said.

One compulsive gambler told television station KETV in Omaha that he isn't convinced.

"I think it sounds far-fetched -- point blank," said the man, who wanted to remain anonymous.

The man said he has been in recovery for 12 years, and it takes more than a pill to kick the habit.

"An addiction -- you have to work on recovery all the time, 24 hours a day, each and every day," he said.

McNeilly said the pill may help some compulsive gamblers begin to break old patterns and help put them on a path to recovery.

"A lot of people in the recovery community could be skeptical because there's no magic bullet," McNeilly said.

The man struggling with gambling addiction agreed that for some, it may be worth a try.

"I'm OK with that, yeah. I just hope to God it works," he said.