While the US does seem to be leading the pack, it is a common trend in other developed nations especially in older demographics.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-abstrac...

> Conclusions and Relevance - New persistent opioid use after surgery is common and is not significantly different between minor and major surgical procedures but rather associated with behavioral and pain disorders.

https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2017/09/26/1132719/0/...

> Nearly 3 million individuals who had surgery in 2016 became persistent opioid users, continuing to take opioids three to six months after their procedure