Oligomers and polymer compositions are provided which comprise GHB and produce GHB after administration in vivo. Devices for the storage and delivery of these polymers and oligomers are also provided. These oligomers and polymer compositions are useful in a variety of applications. The compositions can be used therapeutically, for example, in the treatment of patients with narcolepsy, chronic schizophrenia, catatonic schizophrenia, atypical psychoses, chronic brain syndrome, neurosis, alcoholism, drug addiction and withdrawal, Parkinson's disease and other neuropharmacological illnesses, hypertension, ischemia, circulatory collapse, radiation exposure, cancer, and myocardial infarction. Other uses for the compositions include anesthesia induction, sedation, growth hormone production, heightened sexual desire, anorectic effects, euphoria, smooth muscle relaxation, muscle mass production, and sleep, including rapid eye movement sleep. In a still further embodiment, the oligomers and polymers may be used to produce absence seizures.