Sir, rely not on your feelings, but, on knowledge, which I shall happily impart...
The first 10 years I trucked no self respecting driver would leave the house without their stash of road dope. If by chance you did, you only had to stop at the first TS on your route to score a few pills, either from a waitress supplementing her wages or another driver. Drivers would share, they weren't dealers. White crosses would be passed at the round-table while sipping coffee. I wouldn't leave 'til I could feel my hair tingle, then it was time to truck.
West Coast Turn-A-Rounds and Yellow Jackets were a kick in the ass. Big capsules full of whatever that came in blister packs. The best were "imported" from Mexico. It was unwise to take one unless you had a fews days worth of work to do because the effects were intense and lasted for days. Ever hear the little rhyme, "Here I sit with a broken heart, I took two pills now my truck won't start"? It's origin is based in truth.
Drug testing was still in the future and DOT HOS compliance was a joke. FMCSA did not exist nor had all the regulations we must endure been written. Driver pay was less than 20 cents per mile, the carriers didn't shive a git what you did, or, how you did it, just run your ass off and they'd be happy to pay you for it. Guys hauling furniture out of the Carolinas (stick haulers) would leave Sunday afternoon, be in New England on Monday morning, unload most of the day at furniture stores, then haul ass back to High Point arriving at zero-dark-thirty on Tuesday morning. By Tuesday evening they were on their way back up yonder. Some of the dispatchers kept road dope handy in case a driver complained about being tired and sleepy.
Granted, none of this was real smart, but, it was how business got done. Many drivers suffered the ill effects of a career of doping and overworking. Heart troubles, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and accidents were common. I am very happy those days ended. Sure, it was a party... but, for many it was a costly party.