Denial, yes but what I think what it really comes down to on some level is that drinking alcohol impairs good judgment and makes accurate (self) assessments difficult. Of course Inquisitive is confused, unsure, and/or combative with conflicting opinions. His brain is sometimes under the negative influence of a poisonous, intoxicating, addictive substance. Drinkers do not think clearly by definition, it's a hazard of the habit and that is why I really think it is important for anyone who thinks they might have a problem with alcohol to immediately discontinue drinking and then start the process of working out the details of the problem/solution from a sober, clear headed perspective. A mind clouded by alcohol cannot and should not be trusted to do this.
Each day a drink is taken, another clouded judgment day is fueled.