Addiction is a powerful force – one that must be confronted. It is a disease that can take root in one’s life and wreak havoc on more than just themselves. Gradually, if left unchecked, it can consume every aspect of a person’s well-being and turn into a relentless cycle of struggle, denial and, occasionally, overwhelming times of despair – an era of dependence that temps you to stray from the path intended for you. It often begins as a moment of escape or pain that transforms into something far more dangerous and destructive. However, with the right support, courage and understanding, the road to healing and recovery can be transformative and awe-inspiring. This is a telling of one such story that is about more than the grip of addiction, but about the strength it takes to overcome and prevail despite your demons.
Photo by Sam-Sin Photography
Taylor Broussard, age 31, of Estherwood, Louisiana, is well known for his prowess on a bareback horse within the professional ranks of rodeo. The cowboy has three qualifications for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) starting in 2019, 2021, and 2024; he has achieved numerous career highlights from NFR round wins, circuit championships, and other various rodeo titles. Broussard is a loving family man with his wife, Alishea, and has a deep passion for the sport of rodeo. His family owns a crawfish business, and outside of bareback horses, Broussard enjoys roping and breaking colts. However, within this mirage of happiness lives a secret that was slowly eating the talented cowboy alive. That secret was alcohol addiction and abuse.
It all began with large family gatherings and events during his youth. Social drinking was a normal function and simply part of Louisiana culture. The accessibility of alcohol and the ease with which it could be attained laid the foundation for what would turn into a lifelong struggle with addiction. Broussard stated, “The way it started, I would open a beer for my cousins and sneak a sip here and there.” He continued with the knowledge that “I grew up in a good family; there was just a lot of partying.” The exposure to alcohol and its eventual abuse would not only disrupt Broussard’s life but would affect his well-being and career. “I started drinking beer when I was 12 years old like a man and got help when I was 29…” By the age of 19, Broussard began to recognize that he might have a problem but, at the time, could not see a way past it.
In his early rodeo career, Broussard expressed there was a great deal of alcohol abuse. The temptation to party, drink and care poorly for oneself is intense when on the road. While riding full-time, he believed his friends and fellow competitors primarily saw his drinking as casual, with no one recognizing the underlying problem. Broussard thought he could run under the radar while competing and disassociated himself from the issue at hand. However, during his second NFR in 2021, Broussard suffered an injury that removed him from competition for a period.
“I went on a downward slope from there because I was a little depressed about not being able to rodeo. I started drinking by myself, using it as a pain reliever.” According to Broussard, it was an excuse that would evolve into drinking in the morning by himself and would lead to his self-isolation due to his behavior. His drinking would lead to car accidents and mistakes that would ultimately feed his addiction. A tipping point came soon after he was cleared to start working out and getting prepared to rodeo again. One day, on his drive home, “I couldn’t help myself… I stopped at five stores that didn’t sell beer and finally caught one that did.” He explained that he did not know the reason for stopping or buying the alcohol in the first place.
“I asked God for help. I don’t want to keep doing this.” The next day, his brother, who is 11 years sober, contacted him and asked if he was ready to receive support. To Broussard, it was a message from God saying, “It’s time… so I listened.”
Forty-five days in rehab and going on three years sober and in active recovery, Broussard is a changed man and a better competitor for it.
In reflection on how his addiction affected family and friends, Broussard stated, “It was affecting my relationships because I was putting drinking first instead of my marriage.” Today, his outlook is healthier and mirrors the changes he made in his life. The first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem and then to seek help. Broussard expressed that the aid is available; you must only seek the help and be prepared to accept it. A strong community to stand behind you is vital to maintaining sobriety and being aware of your surroundings is key to finding success. Broussard stated, “Surround yourself with champions and the people you want to be like.” Alcohol and temptation are everywhere; being conscious of the people, influences and beliefs can make the difference between being in active recovery or finding yourself reverting to addiction.
Photo by Sam-Sin Photography
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are a lot of people out there willing to provide aid and went through the same struggles as you.” He continued with, “Just talking to someone might help just a little bit…”
Today, Broussard’s rodeo career is flourishing thanks to the positive influences, life changes and support received after his plea for aid. His outlook on riding bareback horses and his physical health have improved immensely, along with his desire to win. “I’ve been on a lot of bucking horses since I’ve been sober… now I feel like I should win on them all.” In a comparison of his health during active addiction versus active recovery, Broussard can feel a physical and spiritual strength that was not always present before. A 31-year-old bareback rider is seasoned in more ways than one. Going into this year’s rodeos, the bareback rider can confidently say he has never felt better or more fit to compete. Broussard is nothing if not humble regarding his past decisions or thankful to the people who stepped up to be the supporters he needed. Longtime friend, traveling partner, and fellow NFR qualifier Trenton Montero – who sadly passed away after a rodeo accident in August of 2023 – was a “good buddy” and a positive example of both character and faith. Montero’s life reflected moral conviction and was grounded in integrity and devotion. His relationship with Broussard was critical to his recovery as he was his “wingman.”
Photo by Wild Red Rodeo Photography
When reflecting on his relationship with Montero, Broussard stated, “I think that is what kept me sober, how proud he was of me.”
Recovery is possible for anyone. It is often deeply personal and a journey taken over one’s lifetime. There is no cure for addiction, but it is treatable, and long-term healing is more than possible. The path to active recovery is marked by courage, vulnerability and resilience, and it begins by recognizing that a change is needed. Broussard’s lasting remarks on addiction were, “Set reachable goals in both life and recovery.” The path is rarely straight or without bumps; setbacks may come, but every step forward is a victory. To take the time to rediscover one’s identity and learn to live with purpose and peace will only open the doors back into the community we all seek to be part of. Through community, accountability and inner strength, those in recovery can find the hope that was never lost but simply waiting to be held.
