Objective To explore drug abuse prevention measures by surveying the changes before and after methadone maintenance treatment(MMT). Methods The baseline survey data were obtained from patients who participated in the MTT program for the first time at Wuhan First Health Clinic of Mental Health Center Affiliated to Tongji Medical College between March 2006 and December 2013,and the general conditions of these patients were analyzed. Results There were 1 186 drug abusers, with a male and low education(junior high school and below)dominance. After the initiation of the MMT program,the number of addicted people was highest in 2008,and then gradually decreased after 2009.MMT program achieved obvious social benefits.The proportion of injectable drug use alone was decreased and the rates of oral drug use and snorting were increased over time.Fixed salary and temporary salary were obviously increased in drug abusers after 2009. Daily drug cost was decreased over time. The proportion of community/ media propaganda through which people got to know MMT remained low. Conclusion The community support and educational propaganda should be strengthened at the same time when MMT is carried out.