Former Seaford Head student Matthew Wille, 36, claimed he had been made drowsy by the effects of prescribed medication.
But Lewes Crown Court heard that a doctor who examined him reported that he appeared to have taken opiates.
Wille lost contr
ol of his Vauxhall as he drove along the A259 coast road at Ovingdean, near Brighton, at 10.45am on March 29.
His vehicle swerved across the dual carriageway and smashed into a Jaguar driven by nursery teacher Maureen Fieldsend-Allum. Her daughter was in the passenger seat.
The car was wrecked but the two women escaped the crash with minor injuries.
Wille, of Downland Avenue, Peacehaven, admitted dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.
He also pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs and having no insurance and was banned from driving for a further five years.
The court heard he has three previous convictions for driving while banned and three for driving while unfit through drugs and has been jailed before for dangerous driving.
Wille, a former drug addict, also has convictions for dishonesty and supplying class drugs.
Jailing him, Judge Anthony Scott-Gall told Wille, "It is only through good fortune the mother and daughter were not gravely injured.
"You have a quite dreadful history. You are somebody who is inherently criminal.
"You have an indifference and complete disregard for the law of the land."
Prosecutor Gabby Henty told the court Wille appeared to be under the influence of drugs when police arrived at the scene. He was drowsy, mumbling and struggling to stay awake.
She said the two victims had been shocked and distressed by the ordeal and the Jaguar had been an anniversary present from Mrs Fieldsend-Allum's husband.
Defending, John Lucas said Wille was extremely remorseful and had written a letter to his victims to apologise.
He said Wille had been affected by prescribed medication he was taking to help him combat his addiction to illegal drugs which had made him sleepy.
He said, "He has spent most of his life in and out of prison.
"This sort of lunatic behaviour will not repeat itself because he is sick and tired of spending time in prison."
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