Final answer:
The "big three" of substances that most consistently appear in DAWN's figures are cocaine, narcotics, and alcohol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "big three" consistently appearing in the program figures of DAWN (Drug Abuse Warning Network) were:
a) cocaine, narcotics, and alcohol
The Drug Abuse Warning Network historically identified cocaine, narcotics (which includes various opioids), and alcohol as the "big three" substances most commonly appearing in its figures. These substances were frequently involved in emergency department (ED) visits and medical examiner (ME) reports, highlighting their prevalence and impact on individuals seeking medical assistance or in cases of drug-related fatalities. These data were critical for assessing trends, monitoring the impact of substance abuse, and formulating appropriate responses or interventions to address drug-related issues within communities.