Antibiotics have been very effective at treating bacterial infections but overuse has led to increased antibiotic resistance in bacteria. As early as the 1940s scientists warned about this risk, and bacteria have developed several mechanisms for becoming resistant including mutations, resistance genes from other bacteria, and failing to fully treat infections. The overprescription of antibiotics, both in medicine and agriculture, has accelerated this resistance problem to the point that many drugs are now ineffective, threatening our ability to treat common infections. Reducing unnecessary use, finishing antibiotic regimens, and developing new drugs more quickly are some approaches to address this growing public health crisis.